App stores
Google Play privacy rating
Google's app store for Android, preinstalled on most Android devices. It distributes apps, games and in-app purchases and requires a Google account to install apps.
Summary
Google Play scores 4 out of 100 (grade F) on the app stores criteria. It partly meets shows trackers and anti-features. It does not meet open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales, independent audit and no account needed. It is based in the United States: Five Eyes member; subject to the US CLOUD Act.
Score 4 out of 100. How scoring works
Criteria
- No
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No
No trackers or telemetry Weight 3 of 3
Are the website and apps free of third-party trackers, with any analytics anonymous and any telemetry off by default?
Google collects app activity and device data for analytics and advertising, and play.google.com loads Google Analytics.
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No
No ads or data sales Weight 2 of 3
Is the product funded without advertising, ad targeting or selling user data?
Google Play shows paid app ads in search results and on the home page, and Google uses account activity for ad personalization.
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No
Independent audit Weight 2 of 3
Has an independent security or privacy audit been published within the last three years?
No independent audit is published.
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No
No account needed Weight 2 of 3
Can apps be installed without an account?
A Google account must be added to the device to download apps.
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Partial
Shows trackers and anti-features Weight 1 of 3
Does the store show which apps contain trackers, ads or other anti-features?
Listings show a Data safety section, but its contents are self-reported by developers.