As a reaction to predatory lenders harassing consumers, Google will block loan applications from accessing sensitive user data, including images, videos, and contacts.
On Wednesday, Google updated its Play Store Personal Loans policy to block applications from accessing external storage, photographs, videos, contacts, precise location, and call records. May 31 marks the transition.
“Apps that provide personal loans, or have the primary aim of enabling access to personal loans (i.e., lead generators or facilitators), are forbidden from accessing sensitive data, such as images and contacts,” the business noted in its update.
Recent reports indicate that debt collectors have harassed mobile app, credit applicants. These recovery agencies allegedly informed friends and family about unpaid debts. In addition, agents have modified photos to scare debtors in severe circumstances. Sadly, some of these targeted individuals have committed suicide under pressure.
India and Kenya recorded such cases. Once law enforcement and central banks informed Google, the Play Store blocked hundreds of thousands of personal loan apps. As a result, the Android app market now bans unauthorized lending apps.
Google also requires Play Store applications offering personal loans in Pakistan to “establish their capacity to give or facilitate” credit by providing particular license papers. In addition, the corporation also required non-banking financial enterprises in the nation to have only one Play Store digital lending app.
Google warned that developers who publish several DLAs per Week risk losing their developer account and other accounts.
Android has been criticized for not tackling unscrupulous loan applications. As a result, the corporation updated policies in India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines.