Changes introduced in the spam policy and minimum functionality of Google Play Store have already come into effect, meaning that only those applications that meet the requirements for functionality, content and user experience are allowed.
In July, Google announced changes to its spam and minimum functionality policy that heralded a cleanup of apps published in the digital store, as it will no longer allow apps that do not have sufficient content or that display unstable behavior that prevents their use on smartphones.
These changes went into effect on August 31, meaning they are now mandatory for developers who want to keep their apps on the Play Store, as reported in an update to the Play Console Help page.
Google focuses on two types of apps: those with limited functionality and content, and those with broken functionality.
The former are those that do not have a specific function, little content or have been designed to do nothing. This category includes text-only applications, PDF files or those with only one wallpaper.
Broken apps, on the other hand, are those that freeze, force close, or simply display abnormal behavior. As examples, Google refers to apps that do not install, or that once installed do not load or do not respond.