Microsoft to update Store policies to “protect customers from misleading listings” – Times of India
Microsoft is set to introduce some new changes to its Store policies for developers in the upcoming days. The updated Microsoft Store policies will stop developers from charging fees for open-source apps and services that are usually available for free on the internet. According to a report by XDA Developers, the new policies of the company are designed to restrict specific individuals from profiting off of the apps that are not always available in the Microsoft Store and eventually lead the users to believe that these services are only available in the paid versions. The report also mentions that these changes will come into effect from July 16.
How new Microsoft Store policies will protect common users
As per the report, Microsoft’s Giorgio Sardio has shared a tweet to clarify that these new policies intend to protect users from “misleading listings,” where someone might use open-source software developed by others to make money by duping customers. However, Microsoft has made it clear that the company isn’t trying to stop developers from charging for their apps but these new policies will be placed to restrict misleading listings “that profit off of open-source or free software.”
The report also mentions an example of a common app that is usually free but costs money on the Microsoft Store is Paint.NET, and it is also listed by the original developer. These apps charge a fee as a way to support development and users who download from the developer’s website are asked to make a donation, which is not compulsory.
Other new Microsoft Store policy changes
Apart from this, Microsoft also wants to check developers from charging “irrationally high” prices related to the features offered by their apps, the report mentions. However, the company has not specified the exact amount that can be considered an irrationally high price. The report also claims that if users presently do a quick search in the Microsoft Store for something as simple as a media player, they will find options that go as high as $16.99 (roughly around Rs 1,300).
External app installers distributed outside Microsoft Stores
Another major update might be regarding the app installers distributed via direct links outside the Microsoft Store (in .exe or .msi formats), the report suggests. According to the report, these external app installers will now have to be digitally signed with a code signing certificate that belongs to a Certificate Authority included in the Microsoft Trusted Root Program.
This new process seems like a way to ensure security for apps that aren’t directly available in the Microsoft Store. The report claims that the security of these apps may have been one of the major concerns among some users when the company decided to allow external apps in the Store. This new change is expected to mitigate any such concerns among users, the report states.
The latest revision to the Microsoft Store policies also adds a few other changes that include “restricting apps that offer news and information from spreading disinformation,” the report suggests. Meanwhile, the remaining changes are “slightly less impactful and mostly add clearer language and smaller tweaks” the report adds.
Also Read: Check out how Microsoft is planning to notify Windows 8.1 users about the January 2023 end-of-support date. Click here to read more.
How new Microsoft Store policies will protect common users
As per the report, Microsoft’s Giorgio Sardio has shared a tweet to clarify that these new policies intend to protect users from “misleading listings,” where someone might use open-source software developed by others to make money by duping customers. However, Microsoft has made it clear that the company isn’t trying to stop developers from charging for their apps but these new policies will be placed to restrict misleading listings “that profit off of open-source or free software.”
The report also mentions an example of a common app that is usually free but costs money on the Microsoft Store is Paint.NET, and it is also listed by the original developer. These apps charge a fee as a way to support development and users who download from the developer’s website are asked to make a donation, which is not compulsory.
Other new Microsoft Store policy changes
Apart from this, Microsoft also wants to check developers from charging “irrationally high” prices related to the features offered by their apps, the report mentions. However, the company has not specified the exact amount that can be considered an irrationally high price. The report also claims that if users presently do a quick search in the Microsoft Store for something as simple as a media player, they will find options that go as high as $16.99 (roughly around Rs 1,300).
External app installers distributed outside Microsoft Stores
Another major update might be regarding the app installers distributed via direct links outside the Microsoft Store (in .exe or .msi formats), the report suggests. According to the report, these external app installers will now have to be digitally signed with a code signing certificate that belongs to a Certificate Authority included in the Microsoft Trusted Root Program.
This new process seems like a way to ensure security for apps that aren’t directly available in the Microsoft Store. The report claims that the security of these apps may have been one of the major concerns among some users when the company decided to allow external apps in the Store. This new change is expected to mitigate any such concerns among users, the report states.
The latest revision to the Microsoft Store policies also adds a few other changes that include “restricting apps that offer news and information from spreading disinformation,” the report suggests. Meanwhile, the remaining changes are “slightly less impactful and mostly add clearer language and smaller tweaks” the report adds.
Also Read: Check out how Microsoft is planning to notify Windows 8.1 users about the January 2023 end-of-support date. Click here to read more.
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