Google Play Update for Apps With Blockchain-based Content. Get Ready Before October
Aug 1, 2025
Izabela Pawlik
Google Play has announced a major update to its policy covering cryptocurrency exchanges, software wallets, and blockchain-related content apps. This policy will be enforced starting October 29, 2025.
The update focuses on tightening regulatory compliance, setting clear regional licensing deadlines, and clarifying how apps dealing with cryptocurrency or blockchain content should behave on the Play Store.
If your app touches crypto in any way – whether it’s a trading platform, wallet, or blockchain utility — this update applies to you.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges & Wallets Policy Changes: Summary of All Changes
Policy Section | Current Policy | Updated Policy (Effective October 29, 2025) |
Exchanges & Wallets “Allowed Where Regulated” | Apps can offer crypto exchange or wallet services only via certified services in jurisdictions where legally permitted. | Adds detailed country-specific requirements (e.g. registration with FINTRAC in Canada, BaFin/MiCA license in Germany/EU). |
Certification Deadlines by Region | Not specified. | Introduces region-specific deadlines: • Canada: FINTRAC registration required by July 2025 • Germany: BaFin or MiCA license required by December 30, 2025 • EU (general): MiCA licensing required by June 30, 2026 (varies by member state, e.g. France). |
Google-Provided Links | No direct country-specific guidance links. | Adds direct guidance links to official Google resources for each region/country. |
Documentation Upload | May require documentation upon request. | Google may now require submission of proof of compliance, licenses, or registrations as part of Play Console review. |
Cryptomining & NFTs | Native mining disallowed; remote mining allowed. NFTs cannot imply gambling or misleading rewards. | No changes — these restrictions remain in force. |
Which Apps Are Affected?
Google Play applies this policy broadly. You should assume your app is affected if it includes any of the following:
Cryptocurrency Exchanges: Apps that enable buying, selling, or trading cryptocurrencies directly.
Software Wallets: Apps that allow users to hold, transfer, or manage crypto assets.
Broker/Trading Assistants: Apps providing crypto investment services, portfolio management, or brokerage integrations.
Blockchain Financial Services: DeFi apps, staking platforms, or apps facilitating crypto lending/borrowing.
NFT Marketplaces: Apps that enable purchase or exchange of NFTs (still subject to gambling/misrepresentation restrictions).
Even apps that do not directly process crypto transactions but act as intermediaries may fall under these rules if they facilitate or advertise exchange and wallet services.
How Google Views Blockchain Content Apps
Google distinguishes between financial service apps (exchanges, wallets) and blockchain content apps (apps that explore or display blockchain-related information):
✅ Allowed (with compliance):
Apps that educate users about blockchain, display on-chain data (like token prices, charts, wallet addresses), or showcase NFTs for informational/creative purposes.❌ Restricted/Disallowed:
Apps offering native cryptomining (mining directly on device hardware), misleading NFT schemes tied to gambling or unrealistic rewards, or unlicensed exchange services.⚠️ Subject to financial licensing rules:
Apps that move beyond content into holding, transferring, or exchanging cryptocurrency will be treated as financial service apps — requiring regulatory approval and compliance documentation.In short: educational and content-only blockchain apps are generally safe. But the moment your app manages funds, wallets, or exchange transactions, you are under the stricter Financial Services framework.
What Developers Should Do Now
To prepare for the October 29, 2025 enforcement date:
Audit your app features.
Does your app enable exchange, storage, or transactions of crypto assets? If so, check the regional licensing rules.Gather compliance documentation.
Collect regulatory licenses (e.g. FINTRAC in Canada, BaFin in Germany, MiCA in the EU) and be prepared to submit proof in the Play Console.Review blockchain content features.
Ensure NFT integrations are not misleading or promoting gambling. Remove unsupported cryptomining features.Update Play Console declarations.
Ensure your app’s category and declarations correctly reflect financial features.Stay alert to deadlines.
Canada → July 2025 compliance
Germany → December 30, 2025 compliance
EU → June 30, 2026 compliance (MiCA licensing)
Additional Resources
For more detailed information, refer to the official Google Play policy pages:
Current Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy
Upcoming Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy
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