Commit 99a79e80 authored by Dirk Dougherty's avatar Dirk Dougherty
Browse files

Doc change: add policy guidelines documents.

Change-Id: Iade088d20bc483fb65aabd85cb049b21188edf64
parent f7c06ddb
<ul id="nav">
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/index.html">
<span class="en">Google Play</span></a>
</div>
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/index.html">Google Play</a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/about/visibility.html">
<span class="en">Visibility</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/about/monetizing.html">
<span class="en">Monetizing</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/about/distribution.html">
<span class="en">Distribution</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/about/visibility.html">Visibility</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/about/monetizing.html">Monetizing</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/about/distribution.html">Distribution</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/index.html">
<span class="en">Publishing</span></a>
</div>
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/index.html">Publishing</a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/register.html">
<span class="en">Get Started</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/console.html">
<span class="en">Developer Console</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/preparing.html">
<span class="en">Publishing Checklist</span>
</a></li>
</ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/register.html">Get Started</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/console.html">Developer Console</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publish/preparing.html">Publishing Checklist</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<!-- <li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/developer-console.html">
<span class="en">The Developer Console</span>
</a>
<div class="nav-section-header">
<a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/developer-console.html">The Developer Console</a>
</div>
<ul>
<li class="nav-section"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/register.html">
<span class="en">Get Started</span></a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/distribution-controls.html">
<span class="en">Managing Distribution</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/pricing-billing.html">
<span class="en">Pricing and Billing</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/app-data.html">
<span class="en">Reviewing App Data</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/advanced-options.html">
<span class="en">Advanced Options</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publishing.html">
<span class="en">Publishing and Updating</span>
</a></li>
<li class="nav-section"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/register.html">Get Started</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/distribution-controls.html">Managing Distribution</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/pricing-billing.html">Pricing and Billing</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/app-data.html">Reviewing App Data</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/advanced-options.html">Advanced Options</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/publishing.html">Publishing and Updating</a></li>
</ul>
</li> end of Developer Console -->
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/index.html">
<span class="en">Promoting</span></a>
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/index.html">Promoting</a>
</div>
<ul>
<!-- <li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/product-pages.html">
<span class="en">Your Product Pages</a></li>
-->
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/linking.html">
<span class="en">Linking to Your Products</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/badges.html">
<span class="en">Google Play Badges</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/promote/device-art.html">
<span class="en">Device Art Generator</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/brand.html">
<span class="en">Brand Guidelines</a></li>
<!-- <li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/product-pages.html">Your Product Pages</a></li> -->
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/linking.html">Linking to Your Products</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/badges.html">Google Play Badges</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/promote/device-art.html">Device Art Generator</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/promote/brand.html">Brand Guidelines</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/quality/index.html">
<span class="en">App Quality</span></a>
</div>
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/quality/index.html">App Quality</a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/quality/core.html">
<span class="en">Core App Quality</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/quality/tablet.html">
<span class="en">Tablet App Quality</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/strategies/app-quality.html">
<span class="en">Improving App Quality</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/quality/core.html">Core App Quality</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/quality/tablet.html">Tablet App Quality</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/strategies/app-quality.html">Improving App Quality</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/policies/index.html">Policies</a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/policies/spam.html">Spam</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/policies/ip.html">Intellectual<br />Property</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/policies/ads.html">Ads</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<!--
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/after.html">
<span class="en">After Launch</span></a>
After Launch</a>
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/errors.html.html">Reviewing Errors</a></li>
......@@ -111,22 +76,14 @@
-->
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/spotlight/index.html">
<span class="en">Spotlight</span></a>
</div>
<div class="nav-section-header"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/spotlight/index.html">Spotlight</a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/spotlight/tablets.html">
<span class="en">Tablet Stories</span>
</a></li>
<li><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/googleplay/spotlight/tablets.html">Tablet Stories</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="nav-section">
<div class="nav-section-header empty">
<a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/open.html">
<span class="en">Open Distribution</span>
</a>
</div>
<div class="nav-section-header empty"><a href="<?cs var:toroot ?>distribute/open.html">Open Distribution</a></div>
</li>
</ul>
\ No newline at end of file
page.title=Ads
@jd:body
<div id="qv-wrapper">
<div id="qv">
<h2>In This Document</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="#content-maturity">Content and Maturity</a></li>
<li><a href="#context">Context and Behavior</a></li>
<li><a href="#disclosure" style="clear:right">Disclosure</a></li>
<li><a href="#impersonation">Impersonation of System UI</a></li>
<li><a href="#adwalls">Adwalls</a></li>
<li><a href="#interfering" style="clear:right;">Interference with Ads and Websites</a></li>
</ol>
<h2>More Resources</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html" target="_policies">Developer Program Policies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.android.com/us/developer-distribution-agreement.html#showlanguages" target="_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a></li>
<li><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/188189" target="_policies">Maturity Ratings</a></p>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<p>
Google Play policies guide how you can use ads in your apps, to help ensure
the best experience for users visiting and downloading apps from the store.
</p>
<p>
In general, for the purposes of policy, the content of ads displayed by your
app is considered part of your app. As an app developer, it is your
responsibility to ensure that the content, context, and behavior of ads in
your apps conforms to Google Play policies.
</p>
<p>
Before you publish, make sure you understand Google Play ad policies and how
to display ads in conformance with those policies. The sections below
highlight best practices and common examples to help you avoid the most
common types of policy violations.
</p>
<p>
For more information about Google Play policies that apply to your apps and
content, please see the <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Program Policies</a> and <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreement.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a>.
</p>
<h2 id="content-maturity">Content and Maturity</h2>
<div class="example-block bad">
<div class="heading">Ad maturity exceeds app</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-maturity-violation.png">
</div>
<p>
From a policy perspective, ads shown in your app are part of your content
and your app is responsible for any violations. If an ad shown in your app
violates Google Play policies, your app may be suspended or your developer
account terminated.
</p>
<p>
For this reason, it's important for you to be be aware of what ads will be
displayed in your app and to manage the ads content according to Google Play
policies. Here are some guidelines:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Ads must not violate Content Policy</strong>&mdash;Ads in
your app must not violate the terms of Google Play’s Content Policy,
including those concerning illegal activities, violence, sexually
explicit content, or privacy violations.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Ads maturity must be consistent with your app's
maturity</strong>&mdash;Content shown in your ads must be consistent
with the app’s maturity rating in Google Play. Especially, ads content
should never exceed your app's maturity rating, even if the ads content
by itself complies with general policies.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
In the example at right, the app's maturity rating is set to
"Everyone", which is the lowest maturity level on Google Play. By choosing
the "Everyone" maturity level, the developer is declaring that all of the
content in the app, <em>including ads</em>, is suitable for all users
regardless of age.
</p>
<p>
The example app violates Google Play policies by displaying ad content with a
higher maturity level&mdash;ad content showing gambling, profanity, user
location, suggestive content, or content from another app with higher
maturity exceeds the "Everyone" maturity rating. Because the ad's
maturity is higher than the app's maturity level, the app itself is in
violation of policy. To correct the problem, the developer must either
restrict ads content to "Everyone" level or raise the app's maturity rating.
</p>
<p>
For detailed information about how to choose the appropriate maturity level
for your app, or to assess the maturity requirement of ads in your app, see
<a href=
"http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/188189"
target="_policies">Rating your application content for Google Play</a>.
</p>
<h2 id="context">Context and Behavior</h2>
<p>
If your app displays ads, it should do so in ways that do not interrupt users,
mislead them into clicking on ads, or make changes outside the app without
the user's knowledge or consent. Here are some guidelines:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Display your ads within your UI</strong>&mdash;If possible,
display ads only within your app's UI. This leads to a better user
experience and helps avoid policy violations
</li>
<li>
<strong>Make sure app origin is clear</strong>&mdash;When you display an
ad, it must be clear to the user that the ad has originated from your app.
If you show the ad in your app's UI while your app has focus, the user
understands the ad origin without explicit attribution. However, if you
display the ad outside of your app, such as in a notification, you must
explicitly indicate the origin.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't make changes outside of the app without consent</strong>
&mdash;Ads must not make changes outside of the app without the user's
full knowledge and consent. For example, ads should not install shortcuts,
bookmarks, or icons, or change default settings without user consent.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Changes outside the app must be reversible</strong>&mdash;If an
ad makes changes outside the app as described above, the changes (and
origin app) must be evident and easily reversible. For example, the user
must be able to locate and reverse the changes by adjusting settings,
changing ad preferences in the app, or uninstalling the app altogether.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Notification ads require user opt-in</strong>&mdash;Your app
should not create <a href=
"{@docRoot}design/patterns/notifications.html">notifications</a>
containing ads unless the user has specifically opted-in to this behavior
and is able to easily opt-out.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Use low priority for notification ads</strong>&mdash;Always
assign your notification ads <a href="
{@docRoot}reference/android/app/Notification.html#PRIORITY_LOW">low
priority</a> (for API level 16 and above).
</li>
</ul>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:400px;margin:.5em 0 0 2em;">
<div class="heading">Does not fully indicate origin app</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-notif-attr-violation.png">
</div>
<div class="example-block good" style="width:400px;margin:.5em 0 0 2em;">
<div class="heading">Indicates origin app by name and icon</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-notif-attr.png">
</div>
<p>
In particular, note that notification ads must clearly identify your app as
the ad origin. If your app sends notification ads that do not sufficiently
identify your app as the origin, the app will be in violation of policy.
</p>
<p>
To identify your app as the origin, you should display the <strong>app's full
name and and icon</strong> in the notification to provide the clearest
identification and best policy compliance. Displaying a partial app name can
also be sufficient, provided the name unambiguously identifies your app.
</p>
<p>
Above right is an example notification ad that violates ad policy by not
providing attribution of the origin app. Below right, the notification ads
comply with policy by providing both the app icon and full app name (in this
case, "Turtle Test").
</p>
<h2 id="disclosure" style="clear:right">Disclosure of Ads to Users</h2>
<p>
It's important to sufficiently disclose to users how your app will use ads.
You must make it easy for users to understand what ads will be shown in your
app, where they will be shown, and what the associated behaviors are, if any.
Further, you should ask for user consent and provide options for managing ads
or opt-out. Here are some guidelines:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Tell users about your ads</strong>&mdash;Create a simple,
complete disclosure that tells users how your app uses ads, where the ads
are shown, and how they can manage ad options. Take common-sense steps to
make the disclosure as clear as possible.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Make sure users know</strong>&mdash;Present your ads disclosure
is an easy-to-see location, rather than hiding it where users are not
likely to find it.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Ask for consent (opt-in) at launch</strong>&mdash;Where possible,
include your ads disclosure in the app description as well as in an Ads
Terms, End User License Agreement (EULA), or similar document. Display the
terms at first launch and ask for the user's consent before continuing to
the app.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
A recommended approach is to provide an ads disclosure in an End-User License
Agreement (EULA). The disclosure should be clear and succinct and displayed
in a modal dialog that asks the user to agree to the terms before using the
app.
</p>
<p>
If your app adds homescreen icons and/or browser bookmarks, an acceptable
practice for revealing that behavior is to provide a disclosure in both the
app description and an opt-in EULA on app launch. This ensures that the
behaviors are clearly explained to the user up-front and requires the user’s
consent in a pop-up EULA to continue using the app.
</p>
<div class="example-block good" style="width:213px;margin-right:2em;">
<div class="heading">Disclosure in Terms</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-terms.png">
</div>
<div class="example-block good" style="width:213px;">
<div class="heading">Disclosure in EULA</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-eula.png">
</div>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:213px;margin-left:0em;">
<div class="heading">Disclosure is hidden</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-eula-violation.png">
</div>
<p style="clear:right">
Above left is an example of ads disclosure that is hidden in a long EULA. The
disclosure information itself is not clearly indicated in the document text
and it's not visible unless the user happens to scroll down far enough in the
EULA. Above middle and right show two alternative approaches that
present the disclosure in an obvious and clear manner at the top of a
EULA and in a dedicated Terms agreement.
</p>
<h2 id="impersonation">Impersonation of System UI</h2>
<div class="example-block bad">
<div class="heading">Ad impersonates system dialog</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-impersonate-violation.png">
</div>
<p>
Your app must not display any ad that attempts to impersonate or represent a
system function or UI component. If such an ad is displayed in your app, your
app will be in violation of policy and subject to suspension. Here are some
guidelines:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>No fake system dialogs or warnings</strong>&mdash;Any ad that
presents itself as a system dialog or warning and asks for user input is in
violation of Google Play policies.
</li>
<li>
<strong>No fake app updates</strong>&mdash;Ads should not impersonate
system UI for app updates.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
At right is an example of a pop-up ad impersonating a system dialog, warning
the user about viruses. This is a violation of policy.
</p>
<h2 id="adwalls">Adwalls</h2>
<div class="example-block good" style="width:213px;">
<div class="heading">Adwall lets user cancel</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-paywall.png">
</div>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:213px;">
<div class="heading">Adwall forces user action</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ads-paywall-violation.png">
</div>
<p>
If your app uses adwalls to drive affiliate traffic, those adwalls must not
force the user to click on ads or submit personal information for advertising
purposes before using the app.
</p>
<p>
Forcing a user action in an adwall is not only a poor user experience, it is
a violation of Google Play policies.
</p>
<p>
For this reason, <strong>all adwalls must give the user the option to
cancel</strong> or otherwise dismiss the ad without penalty.
</p>
<p>
At right is an example of an app that requires the user to click through the
ad to fully use the app. This is a violation of policy.
</p>
<p>
The adjacent example demonstrates an adequate option to let the user dismiss
the ad wall easily by cancelling.
</p>
<h2 id="interfering" style="clear:right;">Interference with Third-party Ads and Websites</h2>
<p>
Ads associated with your app <strong>must not interfere</strong> with any
other ads originating in other applications.
</p>
\ No newline at end of file
page.title=Google Play Policies and Guidelines
page.metaDescription=Guidelines and tips for creating apps that comply with Google Play content and distribution policies.
@jd:body
<p>
Before publishing your apps on Google Play, take a few minutes to read and
understand the content and distribution policies that apply to all apps
in the store. These policies help to keep Android and Google Play an enjoyable
and trusted platform for content consumers and developers alike.
</p>
<p>
The documents below highlight important policy areas and provide tips to help
you create policy-compliant apps. You'll also find examples and guidance on common
policy questions that can help your app stay clear of practices that can result in
low ratings or even suspensions from the store.
</p>
<p>
For complete information about Google Play policies, please see the full
<a href="http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Program Policies</a> and <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreement.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a> documents.
</p>
<div class="vspace size-1">
&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="layout-content-row">
<div class="layout-content-col span-4">
<h4>
Spam
</h4>
<p>
Make sure that your app does not present content that is unwanted,
deceptive, repetitive, or unrelated to the core function of the app.
</p><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/policies/spam.html">Learn more &raquo;</a>
</div>
<div class="layout-content-col span-4">
<h4>
Intellectual Property
</h4>
<p>
Tips and examples of how to use intelletual property (IP) properly,
including when to ask permission to use someone else's copyright or
trademark.
</p><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/policies/ip.html">Learn more &raquo;</a>
</div>
<div class="layout-content-col span-4">
<h4>
Ads
</h4>
<p>
Make sure that the ads displayed in your app follow the Google Play Content
Policy and meet the maturity rating that you have selected for your app.
</p><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/policies/ads.html">Learn more &raquo;</a>
</div>
</div>
\ No newline at end of file
page.title=Intellectual Property
@jd:body
<div id="qv-wrapper">
<div id="qv">
<h2>In This Document</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="#copyright">Copyright Infringement</a></li>
<li><a href="#impersonation">Impersonation</a></li>
<li><a href="#trademarks">Trademark Infringement</a></li>
<li><a href="#other">DDA 4.4 Prohibited Actions</a></li>
</ol>
<h2>More Resources</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html"
target="_policies">Developer Program Policies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.android.com/us/developer-distribution-agreement.html#showlanguages"
target="_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<p>
Google Play policies protect your intellectual property (IP) as well as that
of other app developers and content creators in the store. The policies and
their enforcements help ensure proper use of copyright, trademarks, and
developer identity in Google Play.
</p>
<p>
As an app developer, these IP policies benefit you. At the same time, it's
your responsibility to ensure that your app does not violate the IP of other
developers or content creators. Violations of IP-related policy may result in
suspension of your apps from the store and termination of your developer
account.
</p>
<p>
This document introduces several key areas of IP-related policy that you
should understand before publishing on Google Play. In each area you'll find
best practices and examples to help you avoid common types of mistakes and
violations.
</p>
<p>
For more information about Google Play policies that apply to your apps and
content, please see the <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Program Policies</a> and <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreement.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a>.
</p>
<h2 id="copyright">Copyright Infringement</h2>
<p>
Copyright is the legal right granted to an author or creator for a literary,
dramatic or artistic piece of work. As soon as you create an original piece
of work and fix it in a tangible medium, the work is automatically protected
by copyright law and you are the owner of the copyright. Likewise, when other
people create content, they may own the copyrights for those works.
</p>
<div class="sidebox-wrapper">
<div class="sidebox">
<h2>How to report infringements</h2>
<p>If you feel your copyright is being infringed, you may file a Digital Millenium
Copyright Act (DMCA) request. Please see <a
href="http://support.google.com/bin/request.py?&product=androidmarket&contact_type=lr_dmca"
target="_policies">copyright procedures</a> for more information.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>
Copyright infringement is an improper or unauthorized use of a copyrighted
work. If you publish an app in Google Play that uses another party's copyrighted
works improperly or without permission, your apps can be suspended and your
developer account terminated.
</p>
<p>
As you design your app and prepare for publishing, make sure to review Google
Play policies and analyze all of your content. If your app uses or links to
another party's original work, make sure that your app is not infringing on
copyright. Not all uses of another party’s work are infringements on
copyright, and the rules vary by country and can be complex.
</p>
<p>
If you are unsure whether your use of another party's work infringes on a
copyright, consider getting legal advice before publishing, or simply request
permission to use the work from the copyright owner.
</p>
<p>
Here are some guidelines to help you avoid copyright infringement policy
violations:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Respect copyright laws</strong>&mdash;Do not let your app infringe
on the copyrights of others. That includes linking to other apps or web
sites that contain obviously infringing material (please refer to the <a href="
{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/policies/spam.html#webview-spam">Spam in WebViews</a> guidelines), and using icons or images that are obvious infringements.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Know your app's content</strong>&mdash;Before you publish, look
for content that may be protected by trademark or copyright in your app
and get legal advice if necessary. Protected work could typically include
product names, brands, images, music, and similar works.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Create original work</strong>&mdash;If you’re not sure whether
something will violate another party's copyright, the safest approach is to
create something that's completely original, such as images or audio
that you’ve created yourself. When you create your own original content,
you rarely have to worry about infringing on existing copyright.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Ask permission to use copyrighted work</strong>&mdash;If you want
to use another party's copyrighted work in your app, you should ask for
permission from the work's creator or copyright owner and include
appropriate copyright attribution.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
A common misunderstanding is believing that your app may use copyrighted
content without permission, provided that you clearly indicate that your app
is not the "official" app that readers may be familiar with. That is not the
case. Even if you let users know that your app is "unofficial", it still
violates Google Play policies if it uses or links to copyrighted content
without permission. Also, this type of "unofficial" app may violate <a
href="#impersonation">impersonation policies</a>.
</p>
<p>
The example app below shows an app that uses screenshots/images of known
artists without their authorization and lists popular songs. The combination
of these may induce users to download music ringtones that infringe on
copyright. This is a violation of Google Play policy.
</p>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">Images and downloads that violate copyright</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ip-copyright-violation.png">
</div>
<h2 id="impersonation">Impersonation</h2>
<p>
Impersonation is when an app attempts to imply a relationship to another app
or developer, where no relationship actually exists.
</p>
<p>
For example, if your app displays the brand, icon, or title from another app
in order to get to users to download your app, you are leading users to
believe that your app is developed by the same entity as the other app and
offers similar content or experience. This is an impersonation of the other
app and developer, and it is a violation of Google Play policy. If you
publish apps that violate impersonation policies, your apps can be suspended
and your developer account terminated.
</p>
<p>
No matter what type of app you offer or what your motivation, don’t try to
imply an endorsement or relationship to another company or product where none
exists. Don’t try to establish your app as the "official" version of another
party's work by prominently featuring their brand names or trademarks in your
app title or description.
</p>
<p>
Even if your app description states that your app is an "unofficial" version,
the use of the other app's branding, trademarks, and other content still can
violate policy by presenting content that isn’t yours.
</p>
<p>
Here are some guidelines:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Don't pretend to be someone else</strong>&mdash; Don't represent
that your content is produced by another company or organization if that is
not the case.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't support infringing sites or apps</strong>&mdash; Don't divert
users or provide links to any other site that mimics Google Play or
represents itself as another application or service.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't use another app's branding</strong>&mdash; Don’t try to pass
off your app as the official version of someone else’s property by using a
person or entity (or brand) name in your app title or description.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Below is an example of an "unofficial" app that violates Google Play policy
by impersonating another company and an existing product. Specifically:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The example app has a name and icon that appear to be impersonating an
existing product.
</li>
<li>The example developer name implies an endorsement or relationship to
another company and their products where none exists.
</li>
</ul>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">App name, icon, and developer name that impersonate another</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ip-impersonation-violation.png">
</div>
<h2 id="trademarks">Trademark Infringement</h2>
<p>
A trademark is a brand that uniquely identifies a product and distinguishes
it from other products. It can be a word, name, symbol, or combination of
those that is intended to identify the source of the product. A trademark is
specifically acquired by a company or other entity through a legal process
and once acquired gives the owner exclusive rights to the trademark usage.
</p>
<div class="sidebox-wrapper">
<div class="sidebox">
<h2>How to report infringements</h2>
<p>If you feel your trademark is being infringed, you can request a content review.
See <a href="http://support.google.com/bin/static.py?&ts=1114905&page=ts.cs"
target="_policies">Removing content from Google</a> for more information.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>
Trademark infringement is improper or unauthorized use of a trademark. Google
Play policies prohibit apps that infringe trademarks. If you publish apps in
Google Play that use another party's trademarks, your apps can be suspended
and your developer account terminated.
</p>
<p>
As you design your app and prepare for publishing, make sure to review Google
Play policies and analyze all of your content. If your app uses a trademark
not owned by you, or if you are not sure whether a brand is a trademark, you
should get legal advice before publishing. As with copyright, the rules vary
by country and can be complex.
</p>
<p>
Here are some guidelines for avoiding trademark infringement policy
violations:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Understand and follow trademark laws</strong>&mdash;Don't let your
app infringe on the trademarks of others.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Know your app's content</strong>&mdash;Before you publish, look for
brands and potential trademarks used in your app and store listing and get
legal advice if necessary.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Use a distinct name</strong>&mdash;Don't give your app a name that
is confusingly similar to another company's trademark.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't use trademarks to imply a relationship</strong>&mdash;Don't
describe your app using another company's trademarks in a way that implies
an endorsement by or affiliation with the other company.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Use a distinct app icon and logo</strong>&mdash;Don't use a
modified version of another company’s trademarked logo.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
A common misunderstanding is believing that your app may use a brand or
trademark without permission, provided you clearly indicate that the app is
not the "official" or original app. That is not the case. Even if you let
users know that your app is "unofficial", it still violates Google Play
policies if it uses another party's trademarks. Also, this type of
"unofficial" app may violate <a href="#impersonation">impersonation
policies</a>.
</p>
<p>
Below is an example app that violates Google Play policies by infringing on
another party's trademarks. Specifically:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The example app name is confusingly similar to another party's trademark.</li>
<li>The example app icon is a modified version of a another party's logo.</li>
</ul>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">App name and icon that infringe trademarks</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-ip-trademark-violation.png">
</div>
<h2 id="other">DDA 4.4 Prohibited Actions</h2>
<p>
When you publish an app on Google Play, you agree to the terms of the
Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA). Section 4.4 of the DDA prohibits certain
types of actions on your part. For reference, you agree that you will not
engage in any activity with the Market, including the development or
distribution of Products, that interferes with, disrupts, damages, or
accesses in an unauthorized manner the devices, servers, networks, or other
properties or services of any third party including, but not limited to,
Android users, Google or any mobile network operator.
</p>
<p>
For details, please refer to the complete <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreement.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a>.
</p>
\ No newline at end of file
page.title=Spam
@jd:body
<div id="qv-wrapper">
<div id="qv">
<h2>In This Document</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="#keyword-spam">Spam in App Title and Description</a></li>
<li><a href="#ratings">Spam in Ratings and Reviews</a></li>
<li><a href="#webview-spam">Spam in WebViews</a></li>
<li><a href="#wizard-spam">Spam from Wizards</a></li>
<li><a href="#message-spam">Spam in Messaging</a></li>
</ol>
<h2>More Resources</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html" target="_policies">Developer Program Policies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreement.html" target="_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<p>
Google Play policies prohibit spam, to help ensure the best experience for
Android users. Please do not publish deceptive, repetitive, or irrelevant
content on Google Play. Not only will it lower your app's rating and cause
negative reviews, it can result in your app being suspended or your developer
account terminated.
</p>
<p>
As an app developer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your apps are
free from spam and conform to the Google Play policies highlighted in this
document. Before you publish, make sure that you understand what is
considered spam on Google Play and check your apps for violations, even those
that might be inadvertent. The sections below highlight best practices and
common spam examples to help you avoid the most common types of policy
violations.
</p>
<p>
For more information about Google Play policies that apply to your apps and
content, please see the <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Program Policies</a> and <a href=
"http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreement.html" target=
"_policies">Developer Distribution Agreement</a>.
</p>
<h2 id="keyword-spam">Spam in App Title and Description</h2>
<p>
When you publish an app on Google Play, you should pay special attention to
the app's title and description in its store listing. Those fields are
important because they make your app recognizable to users, and they help to
drive downloads by highlighting what's great about your app. A memorable
title and compelling description are essential to effective marketing, but
you should realize that these must follow Google Play policies, just as your
app content must do.
</p>
<p>
Many developers unknowingly violate spam policy in their app titles and
descriptions in ways that are easy to avoid. In general, you can
avoid spam violations in your app title and description by following these
best practices:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Highlight what's great about your app</strong>&mdash;Share
interesting and exciting facts about your app with users. Help users
understand what makes your app special.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Describe your app accurately</strong>&mdash;Make sure the title
and description describe the app function and user experience accurately.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't use repetitive keywords</strong>&mdash;Avoid keywords that
are repetitive or excessive.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't include unrelated keywords or references</strong> &mdash;
Your description should not be loaded with irrelevant keywords in an
attempt to manipulate ranking or relevancy.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Keep it brief</strong>&mdash;Keep the description succinct and
straightforward. Shorter descriptions tend to give a better user experience
on devices with smaller displays. Excessive length, detail, or repetition
can violate spam policy.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Here's an example app title and description that follows best practices and
does not violate Google Play spam policies.
</p>
<div class="example-block good" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">Best practice: App description</div>
<table>
<tr>
<td>App Title:</td>
<td>Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">App Description:</td>
<td>
<p>This is the perfect app to have a good time with your children. It
is designed to help kids learn different species of turtles through
cute pictures and amusing puzzle games.</p>
<p>The rules of Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles are quite simple. Have
your child drag images around the screen to fit them into the shaded
region. Phonics is also utilized, as a child can also tap the word
below the image and hear the name pronounced.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p>
The sections below highlight common types of policy violations in an app
title and description, illustrated with variations on the best practice
example.
</p>
<h3 id="repetitive-keywords">Repetitive keywords</h3>
<p>
Your app description should not include keywords that are repetitive or excessive.
</p>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">Description includes repetitive keywords</div>
<table>
<tr>
<td>App Title:</td>
<td>Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">App Description:</td>
<td>
<p>This is the perfect app to have a good time with your children. It is
designed to help kids learn different species of turtles through cute
pictures and amusing puzzle games.</p>
<p>The rules of Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles are quite simple. Have your
child drag images around the screen to fit them into the shaded region.
Phonics is also utilized, as a child can also tap the word below the image
and hear the name pronounced.</p>
<p style="border:2px solid red;">KEYWORDS: game, games, fun, funny, child,
children, kid, kids, puzzle, puzzle games, sound, turtle, turtles, sea turtles,
turtles, turtle, turtles, tortoise, tortoises, tortoise, tortoise, turtles,
turtles, turtles, turtles, tortoises, tortoise</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<h3 id="unrelated-keywords">Unrelated keywords or references</h3>
<p>
The description should not be loaded with irrelevant keywords in an attempt
to manipulate ranking or relevancy in Google Play search results.
</p>
<p>
For example, if your app has nothing to do with Lady Gaga, then she shouldn’t
be included in your description. Also, do not add highly searched, irrelevant
keywords that are unrelated to the function of the app. This is in breach of
policy.
</p>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">Description includes unrelated keywords or references</div>
<table>
<tr>
<td>App Title:</td>
<td>Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">App Description:</td>
<td>
<p>This is the perfect app to have a good time with your children. It is designed to
help kids learn different species of turtles through cute pictures and amusing puzzle
games.</p>
<p>The rules of Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles are quite simple. Have your child drag
images around the screen to fit them into the shaded region. Phonics is also utilized,
as a child can also tap the word below the image and hear the name pronounced.</p>
<p style="border:2px solid red;">This game is as addictive as Angry Birds, more social
than Facebook and Twitter, and has a soundtrack reminiscent of Katy Perry and Lady
Gaga.</p>
<p style="border:2px solid red;">KEYWORDS: Angry Birds, Facebook, Twitter, Katy Perry,
Lady Gaga</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<h3 id="excessive-detail">Excessive detail, references to your other apps</h3>
<p>
Your app description should avoid excessive detail and references to your
other apps or products. For example, you should not list all of the details
of content included in the app or its various components, as shown in the
example below. Also, the description should not include any references to
other apps you’ve published.
</p>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">Description includes excessive detail, references to your other apps</div>
<table>
<tr>
<td>App Title:</td>
<td>Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">App Description:</td>
<td>
<p>This is the perfect app to have a good time with your children. It is designed
to help kids learn different species of turtles through cute pictures and amusing
puzzle games.</p>
<p>The rules of Kids puzzle: Identify Turtles are quite simple. Have your child
drag images around the screen to fit them into the shaded region. Phonics is also
utilized, as a child can also tap the word below the image and hear the name
pronounced.</p>
<p style="border:2px solid red;">Turtles included in the app: Alligator
Snapping Turtle, Asian Box Turtle, Bog Turtle, Common Musk Turtle, Common Snapping
Turtle, Diamondback Terrapin, Eastern Box Turtle, Eastern Mud Turtle, Eastern Painted
Turtle, False Map Turtle, Florida Pond Cooter, Florida Softshell Turtle, Green Sea
Turtle, Map Turtle, Matamata Ornate Box Turtle, Red-bellied Side-necked Turtle,
Red-eared Slider, Smooth Softshell Turtle, Spiny Softshell Turtle, Spotted Turtle,
Western Painted Turtle, Wood Turtle, Yellow-bellied Slider</p>
<p style="border:2px solid red;">If you like this app try our other free apps:<br />
★ Fun Zoo<br />
★ CD Guns<br />
★ Dessert House<br />
★ Playground<br />
★ 578 Weapons</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<h2 id="ratings">Spam in Ratings and Reviews</h2>
<p>
Ratings and reviews are benchmarks of app quality and users depend on them to
be authentic and relevant. As an app developer, you should not attempt to
artificially influence your app's ratings and reviews or those of your
competitor, such as by posting fake ratings or reviews or including spam
content in app reviews. The sections below provide guidelines for rating and
reviewing apps.
</p>
<p>
So that you can stay in touch with any issues that users are having with your
app, you should read through your ratings and reviews on a regular basis. If
you choose to reply to reviews, make sure to keep your reply focused on the
actual issues raised in the user's comments and do not ask for a higher
rating.
</p>
<p>
If you see an app or developer reply that doesn’t follow these guidelines,
you can report it. See <a href=
"http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=113417&topic=2364761&ctx=topic"
target="_policies">Inappropriate content in comments and applications</a> for
more information.
</p>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:440px;">
<div class="heading">Inappropriate content in a review</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-spam-negreview.png">
</div>
<div class="example-block bad" style="margin-top:3em;">
<div class="heading">Soliciting ratings</div>
<img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-policy-spam-reqrating.png">
</div>
<h3 id="fake-ratings">Fake or inappropriate ratings and reviews</h3>
<p>
To help ensure the quality of ratings and reviews, Google Play policies limit
the ways that individuals can use ratings and reviews. In particular, note
that it is a violation of policy to use ratings and reviews to influence the
placement of any app in Google Play.
</p>
<p>
As an app developer, make sure that you follow these guidelines:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Don't try to manipulate ratings</strong>&mdash;Do not engage in
attempts to manipulate the ratings, reviews, or ranking of your apps,
either directly or indirectly, or by manipulating the ratings of your
competitors. Do not attempt to artificially boost reviews, ratings, or
installs through any means.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't solicit ratings through incentives</strong>&mdash;Do not
offer users any incentives to rate your app, such as offering rewards of
any kind or tying app functionality to rating.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't rate apps multiple times</strong>&mdash;Do not review or
rate any app multiple times in an attempt to influence its placement in
Google Play.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Don't add improper content to reviews</strong>&mdash;Do not
include affiliate, coupon, game codes, email addresses, or links to
websites or other apps in your reviews. If you are responding to a user
review, feel free to include references to helpful resources such as a
support address or FAQ page.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="solicited-ratings">Soliciting ratings from users</h3>
<p>
In general, <strong>do not offer incentives for ratings</strong>. You should
not offer users incentives of any kind for rating your app (or any other app)
on Google Play, and you should not tie your app's functionality or content to
rating in any way.
</p>
<p>
It's acceptable to ask users to rate your app without incentives, for
example: "If you like this game, rate us in Google Play!" On the other hand,
it's a policy violation to ask users to rate your app based on incentives,
for example: "Rate this app and get 500 coins" or "Rate this app 5 stars and
get you 500 coins!"
</p>
<h2 id="webview-spam" style="clear:right">Spam in WebViews</h2>
<p>
Apps published on Google Play should provide their own content. Do not
publish an app whose primary function is to reproduce or frame someone else’s
website (unless you have permission).
</p>
<p>
Similarly, do not publish an app whose primary function is to drive affiliate
traffic to a website. Although affiliate deals can exist where an app's
primary purpose is delivering its own content or functionality, it's a
violation of Google Play policies to publish an app whose primary (or
only) purpose is to direct affiliate traffic to another website.
</p>
<div class="example-block bad" style="width:100%;float:none;margin:.5em auto 2em 0;">
<div class="heading">WebView spam</div>
<table>
<tr>
<td>App Title:</td>
<td>Kids puzzle: Desktop Browser for Turtoogle Game</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Developer:</td>
<td>AAZZZ <span style="border:2px solid red;">(not affiliated with Turtoogle
Inc.)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">App Description:</td>
<td>
<p>Have you ever wanted to use the full, desktop web version of Turtoogle
Game from your phone or tablet instead of the Turtoogle Game mobile app
or Turtoogle Game mobile web site?</p>
<p style="border:2px solid red;">This app lets you access Turtoogle Game
on your Android device in the same way as you access the game on your
desktop computer, and with all the same Turtoogle Game features.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<h2 id="wizard-spam">Spam from Wizards</h2>
<p>
Apps that are created by an automated tool or wizard service must not be
submitted to Google Play by the operator of that service on behalf of other
persons. Such tools often produce too many duplicative or low-quality
apps which crowd the higher-quality apps in the Play Store.
</p>
<p>
Please be advised that apps created by an automated tool are only permissible
if the app end-product complies with Google Play policies and is published in
the Play Store through a developer account that is registered and owned by
you.
</p>
<h2 id="message-spam">Spam in Messaging</h2>
<p>
Your app may not send SMS, email, or other messages on behalf of the user
without providing the user with the ability to confirm the content and intended
recipient.
</p>
<p>
Google Play will aggressively remove applications that are found to send or
modify SMS messages without user knowledge or consent.
</p>
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