# 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.

- Website: https://play.google.com
- Jurisdiction: United States. Five Eyes member. Subject to the US CLOUD Act.
- Platforms: Android, Web
- Category: [App stores](https://privacyratings.com/app-stores/)
- Grade: F (4/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | No | Closed source. |  |
| No trackers or telemetry | No | Google collects app activity and device data for analytics and advertising, and play.google.com loads Google Analytics. | https://policies.google.com/privacy |
| No ads or data sales | No | Google Play shows paid app ads in search results and on the home page, and Google uses account activity for ad personalization. | https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/6247380?hl=en |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |
| No account needed | No | A Google account must be added to the device to download apps. | https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2521798?hl=en |
| Shows trackers and anti-features | Partial | Listings show a Data safety section, but its contents are self-reported by developers. | https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/11416267?hl=en |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/app-stores/google-play/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/app-stores/google-play.md