From me Fri, Sep 2, 1:14 AM
Hi Bianca
Did you not read my emails? Let's take a quick summary:
18/8: GOOGLE: we have removed your app since it contains stalkerware
19/8: GOOGLE: we have received your appeal
24/8: ME: Any updates? I do have a prominent disclosure warning users that my app will track them
29/8: ME: Any updates? I repeat that I do not hide that the app will collect position, contacts, etc
29/8: GOOGLE: we are reviewing your case
1/9: GOOGLE: we have removed your app since it contains stalkerware
Now, in your last email you emphasize:
For example, your app currently contains stalkerware code that collects and/or transmits personal or sensitive user data from a device without adequate notice or consent and doesn't display a persistent notification that this is happening.
Let us have a look.
Logically it makes sense that an app that can find your device will need to get the location. And if you wish to backup your contacts or files the app will need to get them from the phone. So yes, user data is collected and sent to the user.
But this is allowed if the user is properly notified and informed.
Do I force the user through a consent screen when installing? YES!
Is there prominent disclosures saying that the app will collect data? YES!
Is there a persistent notification when tracking the phone? YES!
Here are some of the prominent disclosures that I provide to my users:
Just to be clear: I ONLY collect the users personal data when they command me to do so. The data is only displayed to the user. I do not collect, view, store or sell any user data.
So if you could please elaborate on what specific points you think I am breaking your policies I would be very grateful. If I by accident have missed a part of your policy I will of course do my best to comply. But right now I fail to see that I do not present the users with prominent disclosures, persistent notifications, etc.
I hope to hear from you soon...
Best regards
q:o) Theis
P.S: the last time we went through this "prominent disclosure" was a couple of months ago where you said I collected my users "social profile". I still have no idea what that means since I do not collect any user data, uses google analytics, facebook or anything else. I do believe that your algorithm for detecting malware is seriously flawed and keeps picking me out since it has given me a bad developer rating.
I strongly suggest that you bump this case up the command chain or have a chat with the AI people. Feel free to give me a call if I can elaborate on anything. I am really a nice guy who tries to do something good for my users and I have really tried to comply with your policies.
P.P.S: Since you have already removed my app from all my users my appeal is now mainly to let my developer account be restored to a good standing.
Hi Bianca
Did you not read my emails? Let's take a quick summary:
18/8: GOOGLE: we have removed your app since it contains stalkerware
19/8: GOOGLE: we have received your appeal
24/8: ME: Any updates? I do have a prominent disclosure warning users that my app will track them
29/8: ME: Any updates? I repeat that I do not hide that the app will collect position, contacts, etc
29/8: GOOGLE: we are reviewing your case
1/9: GOOGLE: we have removed your app since it contains stalkerware
Now, in your last email you emphasize:
For example, your app currently contains stalkerware code that collects and/or transmits personal or sensitive user data from a device without adequate notice or consent and doesn't display a persistent notification that this is happening.
Let us have a look.
Logically it makes sense that an app that can find your device will need to get the location. And if you wish to backup your contacts or files the app will need to get them from the phone. So yes, user data is collected and sent to the user.
But this is allowed if the user is properly notified and informed.
Do I force the user through a consent screen when installing? YES!
Is there prominent disclosures saying that the app will collect data? YES!
Is there a persistent notification when tracking the phone? YES!
Here are some of the prominent disclosures that I provide to my users:
Just to be clear: I ONLY collect the users personal data when they command me to do so. The data is only displayed to the user. I do not collect, view, store or sell any user data.
So if you could please elaborate on what specific points you think I am breaking your policies I would be very grateful. If I by accident have missed a part of your policy I will of course do my best to comply. But right now I fail to see that I do not present the users with prominent disclosures, persistent notifications, etc.
I hope to hear from you soon...
Best regards
q:o) Theis
P.S: the last time we went through this "prominent disclosure" was a couple of months ago where you said I collected my users "social profile". I still have no idea what that means since I do not collect any user data, uses google analytics, facebook or anything else. I do believe that your algorithm for detecting malware is seriously flawed and keeps picking me out since it has given me a bad developer rating.
I strongly suggest that you bump this case up the command chain or have a chat with the AI people. Feel free to give me a call if I can elaborate on anything. I am really a nice guy who tries to do something good for my users and I have really tried to comply with your policies.
P.P.S: Since you have already removed my app from all my users my appeal is now mainly to let my developer account be restored to a good standing.