Content Ratings — Content rating accuracy

Google requires every app to carry an accurate content rating from the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) questionnaire — understating violence, sexual content, gambling elements, or user-generated content exposure to get a lower/more marketable rating is a violation.

Commonly caused by answering the ratings questionnaire before a later update adds mature content (chat, violence, gambling mechanics) without ever re-submitting the questionnaire to reflect the change.

The short version, in more detail

Every app on Google Play carries a content rating from the International Age Rating Coalition questionnaire. The answers must match what the app contains. Understating violence, sexual content, gambling elements or user-generated content to get a lower rating is a violation. A common cause is an update that adds mature features without the questionnaire being completed again.

Why this rule exists

Parents, schools and devices use ratings to decide what is suitable. If ratings cannot be trusted, those decisions fail and children may see content they should not. Accurate ratings also let the store apply the right rules to each app. The policy treats the questionnaire as a statement the developer is responsible for keeping up to date as the app changes.

What this guideline covers

• The content rating questionnaire and how answers produce a rating.
• Violence, sexual content, language, gambling and user interaction.
• User-generated content and shared content.
• Updating the rating when an app changes.

What usually triggers this rejection

• An update that adds chat or violence without revisiting the rating.
• Answers that understate mature content.
• User-generated content not accounted for.
• Gambling mechanics added to a game after rating.
• A rating chosen for marketing instead of accuracy.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers compare the rating with the app's real content.
• They look for features added since the rating was set.
• Automated and manual checks both contribute.
• Mismatches can result in rating changes or enforcement.

Common misunderstandings

• A rating is not permanent. It should keep pace with the app.
• User-contributed content counts toward the rating.
• A lower rating is not a benefit if it is inaccurate.

Common questions