Google’s new data Guide and policies look very much like Apple’s privacy playbook on the basis of terms, guidelines, and regulations. Read on to learn more.

Is Google’s New Data Guide Similar to Apple’s Privacy Playbook?

The world today is shifting to spaces online. A large number of important industries related to healthcare, education, business, and entertainment are moving to digital platforms to achieve greater progress. In addition to this, people are using online applications for communication and interaction. With greater access to the internet through convenient offers like Cox plans, such apps are gaining more followers. However, this also means a greater risk to data and cybersecurity. As a result, companies are coming up with new ways to protect customers. But is Google’s latest data guidance a little too similar to Apple’s privacy playbook? Read on to learn more.

Google’s Data Safety Section

Recently, Google came out with new data guidance for app developers. This was launched on the Play Store. Earlier in 2021, the company revealed its plans to enhance app transparency with regard to its policies related to user data. Today, there are a large number of instances related to data leaks and hacks. Important companies like Facebook are at the forefront. Recently, Facebook’s WhatsApp came under fire for leaking data and private information. Facebook faced similar accusations and was forced to come out with privacy updates. As a result of all this, people are becoming highly suspicious of companies with regard to data protection.

Data Safety Forms

In this context, Google’s Data safety section acts as a preventive measure. However, Google stated in a post that it won’t be releasing these guidelines until next year. According to the tech giant, this amount of time will give app developers enough space to work out policy guidelines. It will also help them understand the new requirements better. In 2022, developers will be required to attach data safety forms if they want any of their apps on Google’s Play Store. These data safety forms will ask such developers to state how they use users’ information and whether they are able to access their data or not. It will also require them to reveal how outside sources will play a part in this and how offline user activity will be monitored.

Google vs Apple

While Google has shown that it’s serious about data privacy, its guidelines are not too different from what Apple recently released. In early 2020, Apple came out with private labels. This was meant for all apps present in the App Store. Apple’s privacy labels serve a large number of functions. Most importantly, they let users know how their information is used by apps. This includes important information like data tracking, data linking, and other types of access. Apart from this, Apple requires app developers to strictly observe the guidelines. Failure to do so may result in legal action. It’s clear that Google’s guidelines are extremely similar to what Apple launched last year. However, there still isn’t too much room for debate because Google will officially implement its guide next year, in 2022.

Importance of Data Security and App Transparency

Today, people are becoming increasingly aware of their digital rights. Given the number of data security breaches and hacks in the past, this doesn’t come as a surprise. It was revealed in several studies that major companies were being used as platforms to sell users’ private information online. This has led to even more paranoia regarding data safety and protection. It’s important to enforce cybersecurity rules because data leaks can lead to detrimental effects. Previously, WhatsApp came under fire for updating its privacy guidelines even when a large number of users refused to accept it. This led to several users switching to alternate platforms like Signal, leading to major losses for WhatsApp.

Last words on Google’s New Data Guide:

While there are some obvious similarities between the two companies and their privacy playbooks, Google’s guide still has certain differences. Unlike Apple, Google isn’t keen on the idea of set labels. Instead, it’s using a different approach that involves more general guidelines. Developers will be required to show how their security practices work, especially with regard to data protection.