Google now reviews apps before they’re put up on Play Store

As a US$7 billion-plus market, it’s no wonder Google is policing apps now with a new review and rating system. Much like what Apple does when it comes to the App Store, Google now reviews apps before they get put up on the Play Store to make sure no malware or any bad apps get put up. The search giant is also introducing a new rating system to help developers better target the users they want as well as help parents police children when it comes to apps that they can or can’t use. Google has partnered with several independent bodies to help rate ads. They’re working with the likes of ESRB, USK, PEGI, the Australian Classification Board, and ClassInd. Countries not covered by those rating boards will get a generic age-based rating.

Developers are going to be asked to answer content rating questionnaires. If they don’t choose to comply, they might be banned from certain regions or from specific users. Beginning in May, all new apps and updates will have to go through the questionnaire before they can get published.

Source: Android Developers