About a month ago, Google revealed a new pre-publication
process for Android applications, where they combined the sophistication of
algorithm and manual supervision of an internal team they had formed. The goal was
to make Android applications could be 'clean' and not 'susceptible' to virus or
malware.
At the same time, Google also introduced a new rating system
for applications in Google Play based on the age factor. Working closely with
various rating system agencies, Google wanted to prevent children from
applications or games that didn't fit with their ages.
Continuing this move, Google has just announced a new program
for developers, entitled ‘Designed for Families’. The program will gather and
promote applications and games on Google Play which have met certain criteria,
as listed on the support page of Google Play.
This program is not mandatory, which means that if the
developers or teams don't mind, they can collect the applications to be studied
further, until finally getting a special label of 'Designed for Families'.
Conversely, they also have a right to not take part in this program.
Simply put there are two conditions that need to be met by
developers: 1) The application must have the rating of ESRB Everyone or Everyone
10+, or equivalent with it, and 2) The presentation of the ads shouldn’t be
arbitrary and should refer to the standard that has been given.
Hopefully, applications or games with the label 'Designedfor Families' can be easily found by the parents, who in many cases are very
concern about the suitability of the contents with the ages of the children. Interestingly,
when there is 'naughty' application which can pass the ‘Designed for Families’
certification but in reality it doesn't meet the criteria, then Google will
remove the app from Google Play as a whole, not only the category itself.