What happened: Google is following after Apple and requiring apps in its Play Store to let users delete their accounts and data more easily. While the change won't take effect for months , developers will eventually need to provide a “readily discoverable option” for users to scrub their data and accounts in apps and the web.
Why it matters: Google says the move will foster trust and give users better control over their data. On a bigger scale, both companies are concerned about the data left behind when a person stops using an app, which can leave their info vulnerable to data breaches.
What the numbers say:The overall number of U.S. data compromises jumped nearly 1,050% from 2005 to 2022. After hitting a peak in 2016, the number of U.S. individuals impacted by data compromises rose 42% in 2022 over the prior year, suggesting a possible uptick.
Where to see the impact: With Google's changes, app users should be able to purge their data more easily, and they won't have to reinstall an app to delete their info. Developers will also have to wipe their data entirely, reducing the chances that personal information will fall into the wrong hands