This covers apps that facilitate the sale of illegal goods (drugs, weapons, counterfeit documents) or coordinate other illegal activity — Google evaluates this against local law in each region the app is distributed to, not just a single global standard.
Often triggered by marketplace or classifieds apps with insufficient listing moderation, where prohibited items get posted by users faster than they're removed.
"Your app facilitates the sale or promotion of a good or service that is illegal in one or more regions where it is distributed, per the Illegal Activities policy."
This policy prohibits apps that facilitate illegal activity, such as the sale of illegal goods like drugs, weapons or counterfeit documents. Google evaluates it against local law in each place where an app is distributed, so something lawful in one country may be a problem in another. Marketplace and classifieds apps are the most frequent cases, because users can post items faster than they are removed.
An app is a channel, and a channel that makes illegal trade easy can cause real harm and legal exposure. Google operates in many jurisdictions and cannot apply a single standard, so it looks at the law where each user lives. The policy puts responsibility on developers to anticipate misuse of their platforms, particularly when listings or messages are created by users instead of the developer.
By considering local law in the regions where the app is available.
Yes, apps are responsible for what users post.
Regional distribution settings exist, and the policy considers where an app is offered.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current Google Play Developer Policy Center for the exact wording.