Google has introduced new identification requirements for Android app developers who want to list their apps on the Google Play Store. From now on, people who want to create a developer account will be asked to provide information on whether their account is private or belongs to an organization, a contact name, a physical address, also, they must verify both their phone number and email address.
“Your contact information allows us to share important information and updates about your app. It also helps us make sure that every account is created by a real person with real contact details, which helps us keep the Play Store safe for all users. This information will not be public-facing and is just to help us confirm your identity and communicate,” Google said.
Until now, Google has been asking developers to provide an email address and phone number when creating a new Google Play developer account.
While declaring the account type is optional, it will be enforced if a developer wishes to update their contact details. The new requirements for all new developer accounts will be mandatory starting August 2021.
Google will also mandate that Google Play Console users use two-factor authentication (2FA).
As for existing developer accounts, their owners will be required to declare their account type, provide the required information, and verify their contact details “later this year.”
“We will also require developers to sign in using 2-Step Verification,” Google said.