Glossary · Google Play Data safety section
What is the Data safety section on Google Play?
Short answer
The Data safety section is a panel on every Google Play listing where the developer declares what user data the app collects, what it shares with other companies, and how that data is protected. Google requires it but does not verify every answer in advance, so it is a stated commitment rather than an audit result.
Last updated
What does each part of the section mean?
| Heading | What the developer is declaring |
|---|---|
| Data shared | Data passed to other companies or organisations |
| Data collected | Data sent off the device by the app or its libraries |
| Security practices | Whether data is encrypted in transit, and whether you can ask for deletion |
| Purposes | Why each type is used, such as app functionality, analytics or ads |
Tap 'See details' to open the full list. Each data type, such as 'Photos' or 'Device or other IDs', appears with its purposes and whether giving it is optional.
What counts as 'collected' and what doesn't?
Google's definition hinges on data leaving the phone. Processing that happens only on the device and never reaches the developer does not need to be declared as collected. Data that does go to a server must be listed, though the form lets the developer mark it as processed ephemerally, meaning it is held in memory only as long as needed for one request.
Passing data to a service provider that works on the developer's behalf is not 'sharing' under Google's rules. Neither is a transfer the user explicitly asks for, such as sharing a photo to another app.
How should I read it for a photo cleaner?
- Photos under 'Data collected'. Expected if the app analyses pictures on a server; check the purpose says app functionality, not advertising.
- Anything under 'Data shared'. Ask why a cleaner would pass your photos or identifiers to another company.
- 'Data is encrypted in transit'. This should be ticked for any app that uploads images.
- 'You can request that data be deleted'. A useful sign that the developer has a deletion process.
Compare the section with the app's privacy policy and with the photo permissions it asks for. If they disagree, the stricter reading is the safer assumption.
What can't the section tell me?
It is self-reported. Google says developers are responsible for complete and correct declarations, and it can act on listings found to be wrong, but a panel can be out of date after an update. It also says nothing about how long data is kept. GalleryJury, an Android cleaner not yet on Google Play, sends only shrunk copies of 512 to 1024 pixels for analysis and deletes them from its servers right after, which is the kind of detail a privacy policy covers and this panel cannot. More on that at privacy and safety.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Data safety section start?
Google announced it in 2021, and developers had to complete it by July 2022 for apps to stay on Google Play. It is now shown on every app listing.
Is it the same as Apple's privacy label?
It covers similar ground with different categories. Apple's label groups data by whether it is linked to you or used for tracking; Google's groups it by collection, sharing and security. See the App Store privacy label page.
Can the Data safety section change after I install an app?
Yes. Developers update it when their practices change, and the new version replaces the old one on the listing. Google Play does not notify you of the change, so a quick look after a major app update is worthwhile.
Sources
- Google Play Help: Understand app privacy and security practices with Google Play's Data safety section (checked 31 October 2026)
- Google Play Console Help: Deceptive behavior policy (checked 31 October 2026)
Related
More in Photo cleanup terms
GalleryJury is coming soon to Android
It keeps the best shot from every burst and clears the clutter around it. 50 free photos to try, then $5 for 5,000 photos or $15 for 20,000. Pay once, nothing renews. No subscription.