By
Godfrey Benjamin
April 26th, 2024
By the firm’s projection, apps and games that comply to this policy will begin rolling out later this summer.
As part of its efforts to support blockchain-based content on its Play Store, tech giant Google is set to roll out a new policy. Content such as NFTs and other blockchain-based apps will have to comply with the new policy if their content is to remain on the Play Store. According to the firm, it seeks to use the “Blockchain-based Content Policy” to ensure the safety of its users. Google says it does not intend, in any way, to stifle innovation even though user protection is still of utmost importance to it. Part of the statement reads:
“We’re excited to see creative in-app experiences flourish and help developers expand their businesses.”
Google Explains New Policy
Google says that blockchain-based content, according to this policy, refers to “tokenized digital assets secured on a blockchain.” By its provisions, developers must clearly state if their app or game “sells or enables users to earn tokenized digital assets,” like NFTs. According to a statement, developers will be able to do the declaration through the “Financial Features declaration form on the App Content page” of the Play Console. And more importantly, developers “may not promote or glamorize any potential earning from playing or trading activities.”
The policy also covers NFT Gamification in that gamers may not use NFTs bought in the game in exchange for real-world monetary value. And that includes other NFTs. Rather, it proposes that such NFTs bought by users in a game should be used in the game to improve such users’ experience or help them to advance their cause in the game.
Google has also shared possible scenarios where developers may violate the policy, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The firm says a developer would violate the policy if they create apps that sell bundles of NFTs without disclosing the specific contents and values of the NFTs.
Additionally, pay-to-play social casino games that reward NFTs do not comply with the new policy, says Google.
By the firm’s projection, apps and games that comply with this policy will begin rolling out later this summer. However, the rollout will feature only a select few developers at the initial stage to test the experience. A wider launch will then be made available toward the end of the year.