Google routinely updates its developer policies for the Google Play Store to ensure that apps that may negatively impact the user experience or be harmful for the community in any way are not allowed on the distribution platform. The company has reportedly updated its developer policies for the Play Store once again and this time it has decided to ban cryptocurrency mining apps.
Per the report, several more categories of apps have been banned from the Google Play Store. They include apps that have disruptive ads in addition to those that are meant for mining cryptocurrencies.
Google has made an important distinction in its policies. Apps that mine cryptocurrencies are prohibited but apps that allow users to “remotely manage the mining of cryptocurrency” are allowed.
The stance is similar to Apple’s which also banned cryptocurrency mining apps from the App Store. However, it does allow apps that “mine outside of the device, like cloud-based mining.”
The updated developer policies state that apps that deal with firearms and associated accessories are prohibited as well. Those apps that facilitate the sale of explosives, firearms, ammunition, or certain firearms accessories” are banned as well. The ban also extends to apps that provide users with instructions on manufacturing explosives, ammunition, firearms, and other weapons.
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