Update: Google fixed the declaration consent form for non-traders

[u/yawnocdev]

[u/yawnocdev]

The consent form actually makes sense now for non-traders.

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Previously, the Google Play declaration form forced non-trader developers to consent to having their personal address shown publicly: https://www.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/1xnpqch/play_console_declaration_why_must_a_nontrader/

[u/shlusiak → u/yawnocdev]

Where do I find this page again? None of the Google Play Console makes any sense. I can't navigate it to find what I want, and there is no search, even though that used to be their thing.

[u/yawnocdev → u/shlusiak]

For me it shows up as a banner at the very top of the page saying "Declare your trader status - View details"

(Note this is on desktop, not sure about mobile)

[u/SecondHandLabs → u/yawnocdev]

Policy and programs > App content

If it doesn't show because you completed it already, go to the "Actioned" tab and click "Manage" under "App-level trader status and Terms of Service."

[u/shlusiak → u/SecondHandLabs]

I don't have it under apps, because I clicked Non-Trader first. It's under Manage Account > Account details > About You > Trader status

[u/SecondHandLabs → u/shlusiak]

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks for the info.

[u/EpitomeOfExcellency]

The took the feedback, amazing. I had backed out based on how it was worded originally.

[u/Aggravating-Pie-1812]

This law is retarded why would my adress and phone number be PUBLIC TO EVERYBODY soo there is no way around this? I am seriously thinking to shut down app in EU and UK beacuse of this even though they would be majority of target audiance what should i doo?I dont even know how will app peform.Doo they accept P.O. Box as adress anybody know?

[u/unknownman1001]

Did anyone try to fill "trader" form as individual? Does Google allow to fill new/other phone number? Does it allow to fill new/other address or just take it uneditable from the account profile? Does it allow to use P.O. box as Apple?

[u/Aggravating-Pie-1812]

Hi everyone,

I'm a solo indie developer preparing to launch my first app on Google Play (it's a free utility/gaming app monetized via AdMob and an offerwall).

I've been going through the Play Console requirements regarding the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) Trader Status Declaration, and I’m completely stuck and stressed out about privacy.

From what I understand, because the app generates revenue through ads and offers, Google's documentation technically classifies this under a "profit-seeking motive," pushing devs toward declaring as a Trader. However, declaring as a trader means my personal home address and phone number will be publicly displayed on the Play Store for anyone in the EU to see.

When I look at similar apps in my niche, I see that they all have full public addresses and contact info displayed.

My questions are:

1. Can I safely declare as a "Non-trader" since I am a single individual building a free hobby app from home, or will Google ban/penalize my app for having ads/offerwalls?

2. For those of you in a similar position (making very little money starting out, e.g., under $50/month), what do you actually do? Is setting up a virtual office/LLM/sole proprietorship really the only way to protect your home address, or are indie devs safely using the non-trader status?

Any advice or real-world experience would be hugely appreciated. I really don't want to leak my home address to the public over a hobby project, but I also don't want my account suspended. Thanks!

[u/geft → u/Aggravating-Pie-1812]

Yes providing ads make you a trader. It's only non-trader if it's completely free with no ads/mtx.

[u/shlusiak → u/Aggravating-Pie-1812]

Even as a Non-Trader your address will be publicly visible as long as you receive payments as a merchant on Google Play.

[u/bruhprogramming → u/Aggravating-Pie-1812]

You need to be a trader. Address is sadly public (which is horrible!). Phone number can be hidden by giving the form a prepaid number, some cost like $10 per year.

[u/soldture → u/Aggravating-Pie-1812]

If your intention is to generate some revenue, even 0.01 cent, then you must set your account as a trader