Comment by gadders
12 hours ago
I just launched an app in the Google Play Store. I did find it a bit weird that I had to provide my physical home address to get my app listed. Not sure what I would do if someone turned up to complain. Make them a cup of tea?
well they can swat you, order pizza, send you packages (who knows with what inside), spread false info about you if you've given out more info etc...
all it takes is one guy who gets too mad for some reason
and it's gonna be a lot more costly for you to do anything about it vs. that guy who gets to be completely anonymous about it
Not sure how well swatting works in the UK, and pizza deliveries are all pre-paid.
But yeah, you could have a loony turn up.
How? I don't see the address published.
They can sue you and Google will give your address to the court, clearly. But swat? Send packages? How?
Don’t know about US, but in EU you legally have to publish your address and it will be shown on the store page if your app has ads or in-app purchases.
3 replies →
You need to put a literal physical address and not even a PO Box is allowed.
It's because of a law in California. Don't remember the reason behind it, but Google decided to apply it everywhere. It's also why I let my app die years ago instead of publishing the updated version.
This is so that you can be sued or prosecuted if the app is malicious.
This is a somewhat good reason to make an US LLC with a mailbox rather than sharing your actual address. It can be much more privacy oriented.
There's no such requirement for publishing a website
There is - every server host does KYC and so does every domain registrar (by law). If you're found to have provided incorrect details, it allows them to immediately remove your server or domain without notice.
3 replies →
You should not distribute apps via the Google Play Store. Using alternative means, including F-Droid as relevant. And it was a mistake of you to register, because you're helping Alphabet exert more pressure and control on others.