Microsoft combines Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone app policies, reveals code of conduct

Microsoft has combined its app policies for both Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone apps into one place on its website as part of an effort to make them more clear for app creators to understand.

Microsoft announced the changes in a blog post, which will affect any app developer who wants to publish their creations in the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store. The company has also made revisions to its privacy policy statement. Finally, it has posted a brief Developer Code of Conduct that covers those apps. Basically, all apps in the store have to have a unique name that is not "misleading, or similar to the names of well-known entities." The apps must also stay active in the storefront and publishers agree to not "engage in any fraudulent or dishonest activities" in the store itself.

All of this sounds good, but the key to any policy is if they are enforced. We will see if Microsoft will make a better attempt to kick out any apps that violate its code of conduct from the store. What do you think of these changes?

Source: Microsoft

John Callaham