Starting May 31, digital lending apps on the Play Store will not be allowed to access the contacts, photos, videos, call logs, external storage and precise location of users. This comes on the back of Google tightening its personal loan policy for apps on Play Store after increased instances of unethical recovery practices by digital lending apps.

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Additionally, Google has asked apps to complete the personal loan app declaration for India, and provide necessary documentation to support the declaration. For example, if the firm is licensed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to provide personal loans, they must submit a copy of the licence for review.

The tech giant has released a declaration form for lending apps from India, requiring specific disclosures.

The trigger

There has been a rise in complaints against predatory lending apps for resorting to unethical recovery practices. Cases have been registered in which borrowers faced harassment after taking instant loans through these apps.

Google has faced criticism in the past for not taking strong measures against instant loan apps. Last year, the tech giant was asked by the government and RBI to introduce more stringent checks to help curb the use of illegal digital lending applications, according to a Reuters report.

Filing of declaration form

Users must complete the declaration form issued by Google and submit the necessary documentation before publishing their personal loan app. When the entity is ready to submit the app, they must ensure that app category is correctly set to “Finance” in the Google Play Console, that the developer account name matches the name of the associated registered business name provided through declaration, and that the app is in compliance with all.

How digital lending app works?

Digital lending apps typically work by using technology to automate the loan application and disbursal process. Customers can apply for a loan using their smartphone and provide the necessary personal and financial information, which is then verified using various digital tools and sources.

Digital lending apps typically work by using technology to automate the loan application and disbursal process. Customers can apply for a loan using their smartphone and provide the necessary personal and financial information, which is then verified using various digital tools and sources.

Based on this information, the app's algorithms can make a loan decision and disburse the loan to the customer's bank account within a matter of minutes or hours. Repayments can also be done through the app, either through automatic debits or manual payments.

(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)

First Published:May 29, 2023 1:47 PM IST