Google has made an update to its ‘Dangerous Product’ content policies in the Play store, explicitly stating that developers are not allowed to change an app’s code outside of Google’s update system.

The alert, first reported by Droid Life, says: “An app downloaded from Google Play may not modify, replace or update its own APK binary code using any method other than Google Plays update mechanism.”

Although a Google spokesperson said that this change ‘simply clarifies an existing clause in the policy’, this is a new addition to the Dangerous Products policy area, which also warns developers against spreading malware and other malicious practices.

She added: “Weve made this policy extra clear because we think its important that Play provides users with a consistent and secure user experience. Updates downloaded from outside of Play could expose users to malware or other undesirable feature and experiences.”

Thibaut Rouffineau, of the Wireless Industry Partnership and organiser of DroidCon in London, said that Google Play already offers developers a range or opportunities to change their apps without making this kind of update. Devs can perform immediate bug fixing if they notice a problem even after submitting their app as Google doesnt pre-approve its apps and has a Test Flight function for app testing.

Increasing numbers of hybird apps, he said, mean developers are starting to separatie their prodict into ‘core’ and ‘layout’ functions so they can change content quickly without needing to make an update via the store. “I would therefore say that it will be life as usual for most devs. I do not think this is a killer move for anyone.”

Rouffineau highlighted the speculation that this change has been made by Google in response to an auto-update feature introduced by Facebook, which it claimed was for testing purposes.