Explore the fundamentals of Play Store security and safety standards. This quiz covers key requirements, safe publishing practices, privacy guidelines, and user protection policies essential for maintaining secure mobile apps.
Which type of app permission should only be requested if absolutely necessary to function, such as accessing the device camera for a photo app?
Explanation: Sensitive permissions relate to user privacy and device security, such as accessing the camera, location, or contacts, and should only be requested when required. General and standard permissions are broader terms, not specifically referencing security concerns. Minor permission is not a valid category in official guidelines. Limiting sensitive permissions helps build user trust and reduces risks.
Before collecting and using personal information, what is required from users under Play Store safety requirements?
Explanation: Explicit user consent ensures users are aware their personal data is being collected and understand how it will be used. Automatic data collection and silent background logging violate privacy standards. Data sharing without notice ignores the user's rights to control their own information, making explicit consent the correct and safest approach.
Why is it important to regularly update your app with the latest security patches?
Explanation: Keeping apps updated with security patches helps close any security weaknesses and protects users from potential threats. Increasing file size, lowering download speeds, or decreasing device performance are not legitimate reasons to update an app, and may even be negative side effects if not managed properly. Updates are primarily for improvement and safeguarding users.
Which example below demonstrates a violation of Play Store safety policies?
Explanation: Secretly transmitting user data without consent or explanation is a clear violation of user safety and privacy requirements. Displaying legal instructions, requesting storage access with user knowledge, or offering paid features are typical practices as long as they are transparent. The secret transfer of data is what turns the option into a policy violation.
What should app developers do if they find a security vulnerability in their published app?
Explanation: Developers are responsible for fixing discovered vulnerabilities quickly and releasing updates to protect users. Ignoring the vulnerability, quietly sharing it only in forums, or waiting for users to find it do not meet safety policies. Only a prompt action demonstrates proper duty of care and compliance with security requirements.
When using external libraries or third-party code in your mobile app, you should ensure what?
Explanation: Third-party code used in an app should be scrutinized to verify it does not introduce risks like malware or security loopholes. While battery life, size, and visual appeal are important, ensuring code is secure is essential for Play Store requirements. Unchecked third-party code is a common source of threats, making security checks crucial.
What is required if your app collects any user personal or sensitive data?
Explanation: A clear privacy policy is required so users understand what data is collected and how it is used. Splash screens, advertisements, and welcome messages are not substitutes for a privacy policy. App stores place a high priority on transparency to maintain user trust and protection.
Which security feature is aimed at protecting users from unauthorized purchases within an app?
Explanation: Requiring authentication for in-app purchases helps prevent accidental or unauthorized transactions, particularly with shared devices. Allowing any payment method introduces risks, disabling payments removes intended features, and hiding payment terms is against clear disclosure policies. Authentication directly enhances user safety.
Why is it important not to imitate the design or content of another well-known app?
Explanation: Imitating another app's design or content can deceive users and is prohibited by safety and ethical guidelines. Speed of development, download size, or app popularity are not valid reasons for or against imitation. Originality ensures users know what they are installing and fosters trust in the marketplace.
What should a developer do to comply with Play Store safety requirements for apps targeting children?
Explanation: Apps for children must have content and advertisements that are appropriate for young audiences, following strict safety standards. Including mature content or inappropriate ads violates these rules and can result in removal from the platform. Ignoring youth safety is never acceptable, so ensuring content suitability is the only correct choice.