Recent Updates to Microsoft Store Policies: What Developers Need to Know
If you’re a developer focusing on Windows applications and looking to publish in the Microsoft Store, it’s crucial to stay updated with the Microsoft Store Policies. This key document outlines the types of apps permitted in the marketplace, payment processes, and additional regulations. The most recent update, version 7.19, has introduced various modifications to existing policies and added new guidelines that are important for all developers.
Key Changes in Version 7.19
The latest updates reflect significant branding changes, such as the rebranding of “Xbox Live”to “Xbox Network.”Moreover, you will find clarifications on topics such as in-game advertising and essential new articles that focus on child safety and the deployment of AI-generated content.
Focus on Child Safety and AI Content One of the key updates requires developers targeting children’s products to implement robust protections against exploitation, bullying, and access to inappropriate materials. Moreover, the new policies stipulate that developers clarify the nature of AI-generated content in their applications. This ensures that integrated AI models do not generate harmful or prohibited content, aligning with the Microsoft Store’s standards.
Overview of Specific Updates
- All instances of “Xbox Live”have been changed to “Xbox Network”to reflect current branding.
- Section 10.1.3 has been revised to clarify that developers must not use pricing terms in their app’s search terms.
- Section 10.2.4 has had the “link here”phrase removed for improved clarity.
- Section 10.4.4 now requires apps to maintain reasonable installation rates, enhancing the overall customer experience.
- Section 10.8.1 prohibits any exchange of real-world value for digital goods or currencies on external marketplaces.
- Section 10.8.2.7 states that when using a third-party purchase API, developers must indicate this in the Partner Center.
- In-game advertising on Xbox must comply with the same regulations as those for the Xbox Console Dashboard, as clarified in Section 10.13.5.
- A new policy, 10.13.12, states that the XR-007 Cross-Network Gameplay applies to any store content that operates across different platforms.
- Policy 11.15 has been introduced, mandating child-targeted products to offer strong safeguards against exploitation and access to inappropriate content.
- New policy 11.16 aims to maintain transparency regarding the use of live generative AI technologies and the content generated within apps.
Developer Account Fee Waiver
The updated policies coincide with an exciting change: Microsoft is now offering free developer accounts for individual developers, eliminating the previous $19 fee. Only corporate developers are still required to pay a fee of $99. Interestingly, the FAQ section on the official site hasn’t yet been updated to reflect this information, still indicating the need for individual developers to pay the $19 fee to publish apps.
With these updates, Microsoft continues to enhance the compliance environment, ensuring that developers create safe, user-friendly applications while adapting to contemporary technological advancements.
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