Abstract

This code comprises the “Guideline for Ratings and Review on the Play Store”, an app store from the US company Google that offers mobile apps and games, e-books, audio, films and series. With over 45 million users in the EU, the Google Play Store is designated as a very large online platform (VLOPS) by the European Commission and must comply with the strictest rules of the Digital Service Act (DSA). For instance, systematic risks such as illegal content, public safety and health, protection of minors and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, discrimination and consumer protection must be taken into account by the platform. The code applies to all those who write reviews and includes guidelines for writing a good review, information forbidden content and advertising, as well as conflicts of interest. Violators may lose the ability to post on the Play Store.