Google seeks to offer more transparent subscriptions

Most of the users enjoy having free applications that we download from the Google Play Store. The programs can be video games, streaming platforms or apps from newspapers and magazines. In turn, these services usually offer improved or more complete versions for which we must pay to obtain them. Hence we subscribe to a service or a benefit. Now, what we may sometimes not realize is what is hidden behind the terms and conditions that we accept that may generate unexpected or unwanted expenses.
Given the repeated problems that this type of situation caused and in search of maintaining the proper functioning and transparency of the Google Play Store, this application being the central application for Android systems, senior Google officials have made important announcements regarding establishing improvements in the subscription processes for both users and developers.

With transparency as an objective

Angela Ying is Product Manager of Google Play and has communicated that given the importance of subscription models, both for developers and business models and for users in their daily experience, progress will be made for both. It will change the control panel for developers, where they will be able to moderate and observe all the subscriptions, and work will be done on changes in the communication of the information of each subscription for the users.
In order to avoid misunderstandings, among the many requirements that an application must meet to enter the Google Play Store, through these new changes, controls will be tightened and subscription policies will be updated. The goal is to offer reliable and transparent programs.
To help those who offer this type of service, Google offers guides full of tips with examples of good practice and the best informative videos. The most important thing to highlight and keep in mind at all times is transparency with the aim of increasing trust with the client, being explicit with the terms of the subscriptions, the cost of the service, how often it will be charged and how the user can cancel the service. In addition, clarity is required in the event that free or introductory periods of use are offered. You should inform about the duration of this time, how much it costs if you have any promotional price, what is included in that period of time and how you can cancel or prevent it from becoming a payment relationship.
The risk that developers run when offering unclear subscriptions is that of losing customers and in turn receiving negative reviews that will not help the business. Trust is one of the key assets that companies engaged in online business possess, with Google (and in this case through its Google Play Store application market) being one of the most important in this area.

Take care of the user

Not only will these modifications be focused on the developer side, but Google, through these important news related to the Play Store, also seeks to help users to have a safer experience and better quality in subscriptions. The changes to be made will be at the interface and communication level.
The design will be changed when buying a product making it more clear and transparent, it will be communicated through the sending of reminder emails before periods of free use or introductory prices end, it will be informed of the expiration or renewal of quarterly subscriptions, semi-annually or annually and will be notified if the person uninstalls the program that the subscription is still active and must be canceled manually (that is, the uninstallation does not mean a cancellation of the contract).

From Google maintain that it is possible that these changes initially generate a decrease in subscription offers or decreases in people's consumption. However, the objective is to build trust and uphold transparency, which is one of the central axes of this type of business. The changes will be seen from June 16, 2020. The modifications project an improvement in the commitment of developers and They promise a ground for improving communication between users and their expenses.