Provision record
Google Play Store · Google Play Terms · View original document ↗

Automatic Updates Override

Medium severity High confidence Explicitdocumentlanguage Common · 286 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The agreement states that by using Google Play, users consent to receiving automatic updates. While users may manage update preferences in Google Play Settings for some Content, Google reserves the right to push security-critical, usability-critical, or misconduct-preventing updates regardless of user update settings on both Google Play and the device.

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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision establishes that user-configured update preferences may be overridden by Google for updates classified as addressing serious security vulnerabilities, serious usability issues, or misconduct. Under this clause, Google retains unilateral authority to modify installed Content on user devices in circumstances it determines warrant such action.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this provision, users who have configured their devices or Google Play to not automatically update Content may still receive mandatory updates if Google determines the update addresses a serious security vulnerability, usability issue, or misconduct. User update preferences in device or app settings do not limit Google's stated authority to push such updates.

How other platforms handle this

NVIDIA NIM Medium

Customer's choice not to deploy Maintenance or Updates as they become available may result in issues with operability, compatibility and interoperability and result in the Software in use being non-conforming to later Software documentation.

McDonald's Medium

Please take steps to secure your access credentials such as login name and password, and do not share them with anyone.

Robinhood Medium

if you do choose to upload your photograph to our Service, please note that all images must adhere to our App Use Standards which you are required to comply with to use any of the Robinhood Services.

See all platforms with this clause type →

Monitoring

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Bằng cách đồng ý với các Điều khoản này và sử dụng Google Play, bạn đồng ý nhận tự động các Bản cập nhật như vậy. Bạn có thể quản lý Bản cập nhật cho một số Nội dung nhất định thông qua mục Cài đặt trên Google Play. Tuy nhiên, nếu Google xác định rằng Bản cập nhật sẽ khắc phục một lỗ hổng bảo mật nghiêm trọng hoặc vấn đề nghiêm trọng về khả năng sử dụng liên quan đến Nội dung, hoặc sẽ ngăn chặn hành vi sai trái, chúng tôi có thể thực hiện hoàn tất Cập nhật, bất kể cài đặt Cập nhật của bạn trong Google Play hay Thiết bị của bạn là như thế nào.

Excerpt from Google Play Store's Google Play Terms

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision interacts with device security and software integrity frameworks. The authority to push updates to devices irrespective of user settings may require evaluation under applicable data protection laws, particularly GDPR Article 5 principles of data minimization and user control, to the extent updates involve processing of personal data or modification of device configurations. EU cybersecurity regulations governing software updates for connected devices may also be relevant. (2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The override authority is conditioned on Google's own determination of severity, which is not independently verifiable by users. The scope of 'preventing misconduct' as a trigger for mandatory updates is broader in language than the security and usability triggers and may cover a wider range of scenarios. (3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU users under GDPR may have grounds to evaluate whether forced software modifications constitute processing requiring a legal basis beyond contractual necessity. Enterprise device management environments may face conflicts between this provision and organizational MDM policies. (4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Organizations deploying devices subject to Google Play ToS should review whether the mandatory update provision conflicts with internal change management, software validation, or compliance testing requirements. The provision does not establish advance notice requirements for mandatory updates. (5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Compliance teams managing regulated environments (healthcare, financial services, government) should assess whether forced updates without prior notice or user consent are compatible with applicable software validation or change control requirements. The absence of a defined notice period for mandatory security updates is a gap that operational teams should evaluate.

Full institutional analysis

Regulatory citations, enforcement risk, and due diligence action items.

Applicable regulations

CFAA
United States Federal
DSA
European Union

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Play Terms
Entity
Google Play Store
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 21, 2026
Last verified
May 21, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-013174
Document ID
CA-D-00669
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
33f99cdbf161c284361181a56eab735c8af0626bba7aa9f4a502b83a63205328
Analysis generated
May 21, 2026 05:54 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Google Play Store
Document: Google Play Terms
Record ID: CA-P-013174
Captured: 2026-05-21 05:54:09 UTC
SHA-256: 33f99cdbf161c284…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-play-store/google-play-terms/provision/CA-P-013174/automatic-updates-override/
Accessed: July 25, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Google Play Store's Automatic Updates Override clause do?

This provision establishes that user-configured update preferences may be overridden by Google for updates classified as addressing serious security vulnerabilities, serious usability issues, or misconduct. Under this clause, Google retains unilateral authority to modify installed Content on user devices in circumstances it determines warrant such action.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this provision, users who have configured their devices or Google Play to not automatically update Content may still receive mandatory updates if Google determines the update addresses a serious security vulnerability, usability issue, or misconduct. User update preferences in device or app settings do not limit Google's stated authority to push such updates.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 286 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Google Play Store?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google Play Store.