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?

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r_lee 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

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

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gadders 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

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.

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Arnt 6 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

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?

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wiseowise 5 hours ago | parent | next [-]

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.

	▲	Arnt 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I see. I looked at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.em... and saw nothing. I can see why your address is shown if you offer something for sale. Ads, that puzzles me.

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gadders 5 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

You need to put a literal physical address and not even a PO Box is allowed.

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Izkata 6 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

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.

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someonebaggy 6 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

This is so that you can be sued or prosecuted if the app is malicious.

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Imustaskforhelp 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

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.

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realusername 6 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

There's no such requirement for publishing a website

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someonebaggy 5 hours ago | parent [-]

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.

	▲	Natfan 3 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		does GitHub require KYC for .github.io pages? does neocities? does 111freewebhosting?
	▲	realusername 5 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		No there isn't, Google's requirement is to put that information publicly for everybody to see. That's not nearly the same thing as being available on court request. With that policy, Google encourages stalkers and put developers in danger.

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einpoklum 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

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.