Google has updated its policy to allow developers to integrate tokenized digital assets, such as NFTs, into their apps and games on the Play Store. The company also sets rules and requirements to ensure transparency and user trust.
Google Play, the official app store for Android devices, has announced a new policy update that enables app developers to offer blockchain-based digital content, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), in their apps and games.
The update revealed in a blog post on Wednesday, aims to foster innovation and creativity in the app development community while protecting users from potential scams and misleading practices.
Transparency and Trust
According to Google’s Group Product Manager, Joseph Mills, apps that contain tokenized digital assets must be transparent with users about their nature and functionality.
Developers must disclose these elements in the Play Console and follow the existing policies for Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests.
Google also prohibits apps from promoting or glorifying any potential earnings from playing or trading activities involving these digital assets.
Apps are prohibited from facilitating monetary transactions that allow users to win assets with unknown real-world monetary value, including NFTs.
Google discourages the use of random blockchain-based items, such as the controversial “loot boxes,” which have raised concerns about fairness and transparency.
Mills said these guidelines are designed to maintain user trust and prevent the spread of questionable NFT apps in the Play Store.
“As blockchain technology continues to evolve, we believe that maintaining user trust is paramount in offering transparency and security in services,”
Innovation and Creativity
While these new policies set important rules, they also encourage innovation and creativity among app developers.
Mills described this update’s exciting possibilities for creating unique gaming experiences by incorporating user-owned content and rewarding users with special NFTs to increase their loyalty.
Mills also highlighted the collaboration with Reddit, which has seen success with its crypto wallets and NFT avatars, on the new policy.
In the post, Reddit’s senior engineering manager, Matt Williamson, said they are excited to work with Google to bring more blockchain-based content to Android users.
