Sat, 16 Jul 2022 08:21:27 GMT
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Fri, 15 Jul 2022 23:56:51 GMT
@info460 says
excuse another question, but looks like I am hitting every possible roadblock. I am developing simple geocache app for whole family (like to be children friendly, no ads, no analytics, no private data collection). I just got message from google that I cant use G map Api if app is directed towards children. Anyone know what will be the best course of action to solve this?
- I really dont like the idea making the app adult only (not suitable for children and families)
- I know that Google does not really care about small devs, so probably apeal is not good idea
- I can see multiple app.in.Google play using G maps with PEGI3 ranking I am kind of desperate as I did not imagine this can be a problem. Any comment on this really welcome thank you
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:06:45 GMT
@norman137 says
Language around this is always vague and such a gray area, but basically if your app so much appeals to children (via graphics that appear to be children friendly) then you must mark your app as appeals to children.
Example of such graphics could be the use of bright colours or fancy fonts, cartoons, etc... https://www.google.com/search?q=children+apps&sxsrf=ALiCzsZaFJkhJ13H3pUWNuJ_qA3kISHKHQ:1657929827549&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiszbvzjfz4AhXFpIkEHVQFBT8Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=867&dpr=1 for examples.
Other issues could be app description.
Basically you have to declare that your app could not be mistaken as a childrens app.
And if you are building a childrens app, then there are several additional legal challenges involved around privacy, in most countries.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:09:39 GMT
@norman137 says
This isn‘t something I dealt with before... but I would objectively take a deep look at all marketing details (anything that would appear in the app store), and the general design of your app itself, with the lens of "could this be mistaken for a children’s app?"
And if so, make changes necessary then request an appeal, otherwise... I guess see if you can appeal.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:09:51 GMT
@info460 says
so does that mean (if I mark the app as designed for and with appeal to children, because it is) that I cant use G Maps API at all? App is already marked as App for kids
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:10:07 GMT
@norman137 says
Not sure
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:12:56 GMT
@norman137 says
Strangely enough I'm not seeing anything about children in the terms of service posted: https://developers.google.com/maps/terms-20180207#17.-copyright-policies;-content-removal;-termination-of-repeat-offenders%E2%80%99-accounts.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:13:44 GMT
@norman137 says
my bad
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:13:52 GMT
@norman137 says
my google search brought up an old version... that's why
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:13:52 GMT
@norman137 says
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:14:06 GMT
@info460 says
ups, this is mega disaster and 1.5 year of development is in stake only visible options I can see
- do not use Google maps at all
- make the app Adult only(probably imposible.because the cartoon graphic used
- scrap the project entirely In Maps platforms term point 3.2.3 (i) (i) No Use in Customer Application Directed To Children. Customer will not use the Google Maps Core Services in a Customer Application that would be deemed to be a “Web site or online service directed to children” under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:15:37 GMT
@norman137 says
> do not use Google maps at all Could look into OpenStreetMaps / leaflet
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:15:57 GMT
@norman137 says
Might want to review their policies when looking into it though.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:16:57 GMT
@norman137 says
in my apps, I think it's set to target 13+
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:17:35 GMT
@norman137 says
I declare that it's not a childrens app, it does not appeal to children. The intended audience is 13+.
But it's a business utility app, so realistically only adults will be using it.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:17:51 GMT
@info460 says
I my app will be.not working its all cartoon like pirate stuff 😭
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:18:01 GMT
@dpogue says
Once you‘ve marked an app as being for kids, I don’t think you an un-mark it
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:18:26 GMT
@norman137 says
I guess it's rated “E for everyone”
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:18:31 GMT
@norman137 says
for my app
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:19:05 GMT
@dpogue says
It sounds like the issue here is that Google Maps collects a bunch of tracking information about GPS and stuff, and they're not legally allowed to collect that for kids, so they opted to just not allow using their API in those cases rather than allow people to turn off tracking
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:19:23 GMT
@norman137 says
Yah that's what I was thinking
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:19:28 GMT
@norman137 says
It wasn't in their policy in 2018
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:19:32 GMT
@norman137 says
That was the first link I sent.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:19:57 GMT
@info460 says
strange that I can see another apps in G Play clearly using GMaps (by the compass) and apps are marked PEGI3
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:20:24 GMT
@norman137 says
start reporting them all 😆
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:20:31 GMT
@norman137 says
jk
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:20:52 GMT
@norman137 says
Is your app actually intended for kids?
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:22:54 GMT
@info460 says
yes clearly because of the graphic (I avoided having icon of Barrel with Rum written on it ... about Guns Google.dont care)
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:23:42 GMT
@info460 says
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:24:19 GMT
@info460 says
this is so sad (
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:24:29 GMT
@norman137 says
THen if you absolutely need map software, I think you're best bet is to look into OSM, personally
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:26:10 GMT
@norman137 says
open street maps is an open source database. The data used to produce their map tiles are all volunteer driven and it's open / free (with conditions obviously)
OSM doesn't have a map library itself, but there are a number of different Map libraries available. Leaflet is one of hte more common, simple libraries.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:27:39 GMT
@norman137 says
The biggest drawback with OSM compared to google maps is that android gmaps has a tilecache so you can use maps whlie offline, and chances are (thanks to an existing app on the device, such as the Google Maps app itself, it already has the tiles downloaded and cached).
With leaflet/OSM you might not be able to use it offline easily.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:30:50 GMT
@norman137 says
OSM is something I looked into quite extensively for my workplace, but we haven't quite pulled the trigger to make the switch, mainly due to the offline support issue.
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:33:51 GMT
@info460 says
Thank you guys for your input. Looking at Github all is super old or seems to be too complex for.me.to.implement I am kind of ruined atm
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:38:37 GMT
@norman137 says
😞
Sat, 16 Jul 2022 08:11:28 GMT
@info460 says
looks like even if I implement different map provider I can still be punished by Google for requesting precise location, even if I dont collect or transmit their location outside of app
there is no way out