Google is rolling out three major policy updates in August 2025. These changes affect apps in the News, Health, and Financial Services categories. Here’s a quick summary of the upcoming policy shifts and what app publishers need to do to stay compliant.
1. Stricter News & Magazine App Requirements
Effective: August 27, 2025
Google Play is expanding its News policy to include all apps that deliver news or magazine content, not just those categorized as “News.” Key changes include:
- Apps must declare themselves as news providers via the Play Console.
- Content must have clearly attributed authors and sources.
- Editorial standards and contact information must be visible to users.
- Misleading or sensational content could result in enforcement actions.
2. New Rules for All Health-Related Apps
Effective: August 28, 2025
A wider range of apps — not just “medical” ones — are now subject to Google's updated Health policy. If your app tracks steps, monitors sleep, or uses health data in any way, these rules likely apply:
- Mandatory health declaration via Play Console.
- Apps must include public, uneditable privacy policies.
- Clear disclaimers are required if the app is not a certified medical device.
- Restrictions on data collection and hardware usage are now more tightly enforced.
3. Expanded Personal Loan App Regulations
Effective: August 27, 2025
Google now classifies line-of-credit apps (like revolving credit) as “personal loan” apps, triggering stricter rules. Key updates include:
- Bans on high-risk permissions like
READ_CONTACTSandQUERY_ALL_PACKAGES. - Licensing requirements for financial apps in countries like India, Kenya, and the U.S.
- U.S. apps must cap APR at 36% and clearly disclose all fees and repayment terms.
- New transparency requirements for earned wage access (EWA) products.
✅ Summary Table
| Policy Area | Effective Date | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| News & Magazine Apps | August 27, 2025 | Content attribution, transparency, self-declaration |
| Health-Related Apps | August 28, 2025 | Health disclaimers, privacy policies, sensitive data rules |
| Personal Loan Apps | August 27, 2025 | Licensing, APR limits, permission restrictions |
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