Google Play Store Policy: Google prohibits personal loan apps from accessing users’ photos and contacts

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In the latest Play Store policy update, Google is set to restrict apps that offer loans to people from accessing user data such as photos, videos, contacts, precise location and call logs.

The new restrictions will apply to all apps on the Play Store that offer personal loans or facilitate access to personal loans. The change will come into effect on May 31st.

We’re updating our personal lending policy to state that apps that aim to provide or facilitate personal loans cannot access users’ contacts or photos, the company said in its update.

We don’t allow apps that expose users to deceptive or harmful financial products and services. If your app contains or promotes financial products and services, you must comply with state and local regulations for any region or country your app addresses, for example, by including specific disclosures required by local law, he said.

Also Read: ETtech Explainer: Why Are Quick Loan Apps Under Government Scanning? Borrowers are harassed

Discover the stories that interest you The move by the tech giant comes after several cases that have emerged in recent months in which borrowers have faced harassment after taking out instant loans through these apps. These apps offer easy access to credit for those in urgent need of money, but borrowers face harassment from collection agents if repayment is delayed. Apps often have access to information, including call logs, contacts saved on borrowers’ devices, etc. In some cases, contacts have been called in to get the borrower to pay.

Google has faced criticism in the past for not taking strong action against instant lending apps.

Last year, the government and the RBI called on the tech giant to introduce tougher controls to help curb the use of illegal digital lending applications, according to a Reuters report.

In its response, Google said it had revised its Play Store developer program policy for financial services apps, including establishing additional requirements for personal loan apps in India starting September 2021.

“We have removed more than 2,000 personal loan apps targeting India from the Play Store for violating Play policy requirements,” the report said, citing a Google spokesperson.

In January, the government informed Parliament that the RBI had issued advisories to state governments to check unauthorized digital lending platforms and mobile apps through their respective law enforcement agencies.

In February, the central government issued orders to block 138 betting and gambling apps and 94 quick-lending apps on an urgent and emergency basis for leniency in improper data storage and transfer to other countries, as well as money laundry.

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