There’s always been a sort of love/hate relationship with Android and their exorbitant use of ads inside their apps. On a good day, they’re unobtrusive and give you the chance to experience apps you would normally wouldn’t because you’re too cheap to spend a buck on a theme (I’ve been guilty of this myself). On a bad day, they push ads to your notification bar, hound you about a free iPood you’ve magically won, and install shortcuts onto your homescreen that imitate a separate app.

If you thought Google needed to do something about this it turns out they’re on top of things. Aside from implementing a new feature in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean that allows users to “silence” app notifications (a simple long press on the notification will take care of that), Google recently updated their content policy for ads found inside apps and it looks like they’re cracking the whip on devs using sketchy ad services to pay for their apps. Check out the “Ads Context” description found in their Google Play content policy page:

Ads Context It must be clear to the user which app each ad is associated with or implemented in. Ads must not make changes to the functioning of the user’s device outside the ad by doing things such as installing shortcuts, bookmarks or icons or changing default settings without the user’s knowledge and consent. If an ad makes such changes it must be clear to the user which app has made the change and the user must be able to reverse the change easily, by either adjusting the settings on the device, advertising preferences in the app, or uninstalling the app altogether. Ads must not simulate or impersonate system notifications or warnings.

I would just like to point out that last line, “must not impersonate system notifications or warnings.” Sound a bit like those Airpush ads to you? Can’t be sure but developers found in violation of Google’s Play Developer Program Policies can have their app removed from the Play Store and frequent violations can result in their developer’s account being terminated.

The main problem I’ve always had with ads is that I feel like it “cheapens” the Android experience, making users feel like they have some 3rd rate mobile OS on their device. I think Google imposing stricter guidelines on ads inside Android will only help to mature the platform and make users feel more secure that they’re in control of their device, not some pushy app agency. Here’s the full email ‘ol Googs has been sending out to developers. [Thanks, Steven!]