Unwanted Software Policy

At Google, we believe that if we focus on the user, all else will follow. In our Software Principles, we provide general recommendations for software that delivers a great user experience. The policy below expands upon those general recommendations by providing a list of basic criteria for user-friendly software on the web. Software that violates these principles is potentially harmful to the user experience, and we will take steps to protect users from it.

We’ve found that most unwanted software displays one or more of the same basic characteristics:

In contrast, we believe that software that meets the basic criteria below upholds the spirit of our Software Principles and provides a good user experience. We’ll continue to refine the policy as we see new use cases, and we welcome your feedback and suggestions in our help forum.

Transparent Installation and Upfront Disclosure

The software installation process should be straightforward, easy-to-understand, and based on clear choices made by the user. It should present a clear value proposition to the user.

Simple Removal

It should be easy for users to disable or uninstall software.

Clear Behavior

Once installed, software should behave as expected and deliver a clear value proposition to the user.

Snooping

Software that collects or transmits a user’s personal information must be transparent about doing so.

Keeping Good Company