News & Magazines — News and editorial content standards

News and Magazines apps carry extra requirements around editorial transparency — clear publisher attribution, disclosure of aggregated versus original content, and avoiding deceptive framing of content as breaking news when it isn't.

Common in aggregator apps that repackage other outlets' headlines and excerpts without clear sourcing, which can read as either misrepresentation or unlicensed use of the original publisher's content.

The short version, in more detail

News and Magazines apps carry extra requirements about editorial transparency. They should identify the publisher, make clear what is aggregated and what is original and avoid framing content as breaking news when it is not. Aggregators that repackage other outlets' headlines and excerpts without clear sourcing can appear both misleading and as unlicensed use of the original work.

Why this rule exists

People rely on news apps to understand what is happening, so trust in the source and the framing matters. Misleading attribution or exaggerated urgency can spread misinformation and damage publishers who produced the original reporting. The policy asks news apps to be open about who they are and where content comes from, which supports both readers and the people who create the journalism.

What this guideline covers

• Publisher identification and contact details.
• Disclosure of aggregated versus original content.
• Accurate framing of news and its timing.
• Licensing of third-party editorial content.

What usually triggers this rejection

• An aggregator that shows other outlets' content without clear sourcing.
• Content presented as breaking news when it is not.
• No information about who publishes the app.
• Republishing articles without permission.
• Misleading headlines.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers check publisher information and attribution.
• They look at how content is sourced and labelled.
• They consider licensing and permissions.
• They look at the tone and framing of headlines.

Common misunderstandings

• Linking to an article is different from reproducing it.
• Aggregation is allowed but needs clear attribution.
• Editorial standards apply to apps, not just to websites.

Common questions