The consequences of not meeting Google Play's new app account deletion requirements can be significant, impacting both the app's presence on the Google Play Store and its reputation among users. Here are the key consequences:
1. App Rejection or Removal from Google Play Store
- Initial Rejection: If your app updates or new submissions don't comply with the requirements, they may be rejected.
- Possible Removal: Continuous non-compliance might lead to your app being removed from the Google Play Store.
2. Loss of User Trust
- Privacy Concerns: Users are increasingly aware of data privacy issues. Non-compliance can lead to distrust among your user base.
- Negative Reviews: This could result in negative reviews and ratings, impacting your app's reputation and download numbers.
3. Legal and Regulatory Repercussions
- Data Protection Violations: Non-compliance might violate data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA, leading to legal issues and potential fines.
- Litigation Risks: There could be an increased risk of litigation, especially if users feel their data privacy rights are being ignored.
4. Financial Implications
- Loss of Revenue: Removal from the Google Play Store can lead to a direct loss of revenue from the app.
- Cost of Legal Compliance: Addressing legal issues retrospectively can be more costly than proactive compliance.
5. Brand and Market Position Damage
- Brand Reputation: Non-compliance can harm your brand's reputation, affecting not just the specific app but your company's overall image.
- Competitive Disadvantage: In a market where competitors are compliant, your app could suffer in competitive rankings and popularity.
6. User Experience Deterioration
- User Churn: Users may migrate to competitor apps that offer better data protection and compliance.
- Missed Opportunities: Non-compliance can lead to missed opportunities in markets where data privacy is a critical concern for users.
7. Operational Disruptions