By using Google Play, you agree to receive automatic updates to apps and content, and for critical security or abuse-prevention updates, Google can install them on your device even if you have turned off automatic updates in your settings.
This analysis describes what Google Play Store's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision means Google retains the ability to push software changes to your device without your active consent, overriding your device settings, which could affect app functionality, introduce new features, or modify how content behaves on your device.
Consumers who have disabled automatic updates for data, battery, or preference reasons cannot prevent Google from installing what it deems critical updates, meaning app behavior on their device can change without their real-time knowledge or approval.
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"By agreeing to these Terms and using Google Play, you agree to receive such Updates automatically. You may be able to manage Updates to certain Content via Settings in Google Play. If it is determined, however, that the Update will fix a critical security vulnerability or critical operability issue related to the Content, or will prevent abuse, the Update may be completed irrespective of your Update settings in Google Play or your Device.— Excerpt from Google Play Store's Google Play Terms
(1) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision implicates GDPR Art. 6(1)(b) and Art. 22 (automated decision-making and unilateral modification of software environments), the EU Cyber Resilience Act (proposed) regarding mandatory security update obligations, CCPA §1798.100 regarding consent to processing changes, and FTC Act Section 5 regarding transparency of software modification practices. In the EU, the Digital Content Directive 2019/770 Art. 8 addresses update obligations. Enforcement authorities include national data protection authorities (EU), the FTC (US), and the UK ICO. (2)
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This provision means Google retains the ability to push software changes to your device without your active consent, overriding your device settings, which could affect app functionality, introduce new features, or modify how content behaves on your device.
Consumers who have disabled automatic updates for data, battery, or preference reasons cannot prevent Google from installing what it deems critical updates, meaning app behavior on their device can change without their real-time knowledge or approval.
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