Google bans ‘Sugar Daddy’ apps from Play Store
Google put the kibosh on apps that facilitate users “providing sexual acts in exchange for compensation,” in a ban that takes effect September 1.
“We’re updating the inappropriate content policy to institute new restrictions on sexual content, specifically prohibiting compensated sexual relationships,” Google said in a notice to developers.
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This update to Google Play Store policy prohibits “apps that promote sex-related entertainment, escort services or other services that may be interpreted as providing sexual acts in exchange for compensation, including, but not limited to compensated dating or sexual arrangements where one participant is expected or implied to provide money, gifts or financial support to another participant (‘sugar dating’).”
There are currently many apps on the Play Store whose purpose is to connect wealthy older men with younger females who want to accept money and gifts in exchange for sexual favors. Some of the apps have tens of thousands of ratings from satisfied users.
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“Sugar Daddy Meet” and “Sugar Daddy Dating” are rather self-explanatory in name. Scores of other apps such as “Elite Millionaire Singles,” “SeekingArrangement,” and “Spoil” have more discreet names, yet are quite clear about their purpose in the description.
“Here you can find other wealthy sugar daddies who are looking for a discreet arrangement, and you can also meet other attractive girls who are looking for generous men,” Spoil’s description says.
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Regular dating apps will be safe from Google Play’s cleanup of its app pool. Even ones like “Tinder,” whose primary function is to facilitate hookups, don’t violate the newly updated policy. Presumably, the sugar dating community will find a way to utilize platforms like Tinder in the absence of their current app of choice.
Those who wish to continue using the existing sugar dating apps will also be able to “sideload” apps, which involves downloading the APK (application package) directly to a smartphone.