Google bans most Android apps from displaying lockscreen ads

It is near impossible to avoid ads these days, but Google has just introduced a new policy that makes at least one area of your smartphone a safe haven.

The new policy means that most apps will no longer be permitted to display ads on the lockscreen. But while this is something that will please Android users, it's not something that the company has really trumpeted.

So what's with the "most" caveat? Google says that apps that happen to make use of the lockscreen to display information or provide access to features and settings of that app are not permitted to show ads. If an app exists for the sole purpose of enhancing or replacing the lockscreen, however, ads are permitted.

In the Developer Policy Center, Google explains:

Lockscreen Monetization

Unless the exclusive purpose of the app is that of a lockscreen, apps may not introduce ads or features that monetize the locked display of a device.

While the new policy appears to be in place immediately, Google has not given details of any sort of deadline by which developers have to comply.

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