In the past few months the Android Market has been the centre of a lot of user confusion and anger due to its inability to properly search through the thousands of applications available. Google partially fixed this in Android 2.2 (Froyo) with spell checking as well as better result sorting. Now Google have sent an email out to all Android Developers who have submitted an app to the Android Market telling them that there are now 4 content ratings available for applications:
- All
- Pre-teen
- Teen
- Mature
This allows for the appropriate content to be targeted towards the right audience, obviously. Hit the break for Google’s ruling on what content is suitable for which content rating.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs
Apps that include references to drugs, alcohol or tobacco products or their use should be rated “Teen” or above. Apps that focus on the consumption or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco should be rated “Mature”. Illegal activity or content that is targeted at minors is not allowed in Android Market.
Gambling
Apps with gambling themes or that include simulated gambling should be rated “Teen” or above. Real gambling is not allowed in Android Market.
Hate
Hate speech is not allowed in Android Market. If your app includes inflammatory content that may be offensive to many users, please rate it “Teen” or above.
Location
Applications rated “All” should not ask users for their location at any point. Apps that ask to access course or fine location data should be rated “Pre-Teen” or above. Apps that enable users to publish or share their location with others should be rated “Teen” or above.
Profanity and Crude Humor
Apps that include profanity or crude humor should be rated “Teen” or above.
Sexual and Suggestive Content
Apps that include suggestive or sexual references should be rated “Teen” or above. Apps that focus on such content should be rated “Mature”. Pornography is not allowed in Android Market.
User Generated Content and User to User Communication
Apps rated “All” should not host any user generated content or enable communication between users. Apps that focus on allowing users to find and communicate with each other should be rated “Teen” or above.
Violence
Apps that include mild cartoon or fantasy violence should be rated “Pre-Teen” or above. Realistic or intense fantasy violence should be rated “Teen” or above. Graphic violence should be rated ‘“Mature”. Gratuitous real violence is not allowed in Android Market.
It’s nice to see Google making the Android Market a little more family friendly, but it isn’t going to stop any person downloading any application. More info available in the source link.
