Google has decided to take a leaf out of Apple's book and implement a manual review process for all new apps and games on its Google Play Store.
By having humans review applications, Google hopes to prevent malware and malicious apps from making it to the Play Store. The process will also assign culture-specific age ratings to the apps with help from rating agencies including ESRP, ESRB, PEGI, USK, ClassInd and the Australian Classification Board.
Starting now, developers can complete a content rating questionnaire for each of their apps and games to receive objective content ratings. Google Play’s new rating system includes official ratings from the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) and its participating bodies, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), Pan-European Game Information (PEGI), Australian Classification Board, Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) and Classificação Indicativa (ClassInd). Territories not covered by a specific ratings authority will display an age-based, generic rating.
According to Google, the new review and age rating process "is quick, automated and free to developers."
In the coming weeks, Google Play users worldwide will begin to see these new ratings in their local markets.
