MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Although developers have not been able to produce any kind of porn-like Android apps for Google’s Play Store, the search giant is now tightening its restrictions on all “erotic” images.
The new changes to the Google Play Developer Program announced in an email to developers reveals that the company is now clamping down on the inclusion of even sexy and suggestive bikini and lingerie photos.
In its new guidelines for Sexually Explicit Material, Google says: “Apps that contain or promote pornography are prohibited; this includes sexually explicit or erotic content, icons, titles, or descriptions."
It’s apparent that aside from it wanting to keep its store sqeaky clean, Google is concerned that the tame shots can be gateways to more serious porn.
The developer guidelines also states: "Apps published on Google Play may not directly or indirectly engage in or benefit from the following behavior: Promotion via deceptive ads on websites, apps or other properties, including simulated system, service, or app notifications or alerts; Promotion or install tactics which cause redirection to Google Play or the download of the app without informed user action; Unsolicited promotion via SMS services.
Google further warns devlopers,"It is your responsibility to ensure that no ad network or affiliate uses such methods to direct users to pages that make your app available for download."
Violation of the terms could eliminate the app from the Play Store — even if the developer’s app was part of an ad network buy.
According to AndroidAuthority.com the changes may not affect currently available apps.
