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Child Safety Standards policy

Ensuring a safe online environment for all users, especially minors, is a critical responsibility for social and dating apps. Google Play enforces strict Child Safety Standards that developers must follow to operate on the platform. These guidelines help protect children from harmful content and ensure that apps have robust policies and procedures in place to address safety concerns effectively.

Key Requirements for Compliance:

1. Clear Public Standards for Child Safety

Your app must have publicly available policies that explicitly prohibit Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE). These policies should be clearly stated in your app’s Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, or other user-facing documents.

👉 How to implement this using iubenda: You can integrate this requirement seamlessly by using iubenda’s Terms & Conditions generator. Select the appropriate clause under the “Mobile App” or “Acceptable Use” sections.

2. In-App User Feedback Mechanism

A robust reporting system must be in place within your app to allow users to submit feedback, raise concerns, or report suspicious content. This system should be easy to access and use, ensuring that users can quickly flag potential safety issues.

3. Handling of CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material)

Your app must take immediate action when CSAE content is identified. This includes:

  • Swift removal of any detected Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
  • Compliance with all relevant legal obligations for reporting and enforcement.
  • Ensuring these actions align with your published standards.

4. Compliance with Child Protection Laws

Apps must strictly adhere to all applicable child safety regulations, including:

  • Implementing procedures to report confirmed CSAM cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) or the relevant local authority.
  • Staying updated on evolving child safety laws to maintain compliance.

5. Dedicated Child Safety Contact

A designated representative must be available to receive notifications from Google Play regarding any CSAE content found within your app. This contact must be equipped to:

  • Address enforcement and content review procedures.
  • Take swift corrective action when required.
  • Communicate effectively with Google Play on child safety matters.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to severe consequences, including app removal from Google Play, legal action, and reputational damage. By proactively implementing these safety measures, developers not only align with platform policies but also contribute to a safer digital ecosystem for all users.

For further details, refer to Google Play’s official guidelines: