Apps
Google Play wants reasons for location and contacts use in 2027
Google Play's 29 October rules: apps must justify precise location, contact and local network access, and every developer account must declare trader status.
- If your app asks for precise location, for deliveries, a store finder or staff check-in, Google will want a written reason from 27 January 2027 for why approximate location or a one-time tap is not enough.
- Apps that find printers, card terminals or other devices on the office network will need a declaration once they target Android 17, and so will apps that need to manage contacts. Google's date for both is 25 August 2027.
- The trader declaration is for every developer account, not only apps sold in Europe. If it is missing on 1 February 2027, updates can be blocked and the app removed everywhere.
- Only the account that publishes the app can file these forms. If your agency published it under their own account, they have to do it for you.
