Google requires developers to ``do not block ads that may affect app monetization'' in VPN regulations used for ad blocking

Google notified app developers of changes to Google Play's VPN service policy in July 2022, and it was said that this was to remove VPN-based ad blockers from Google Play. And Reda Labdaoui, who develops the ad blocker Blokada , reports that Google has shown a move to eliminate VPN-based ad blockers as expected.

Google to remove all VPN ad blockers that don't comply - Press / Blog - Blokada Community
https://community.blokada.org/t/google-to-remove-all-vpn-ad-blockers-that-don-t-comply/27586

Google announced in July 2022 that it will change its Google Play policy for developers. This policy change includes a change in the specifications of the VPN service, and it was pointed out that browser applications equipped with VPN-based ad blocking functions may not be available.

Possibility of Google cracking down on 'VPN-based ad blocking function' in Android apps - GIGAZINE

Specifically, the VpnService API can no longer be used to filter other applications' traffic for monetization, personal and sensitive data collection, and other actions. Since some ad blocker apps and browsers with ad block function adopted filtering by VpnService API, the ad block function can no longer be used due to the policy change.

There are changes in the Play Store rules that may affect the VpnService API provided by the platform. According to them, VpnService can no longer be used to filter the traffic of other applications for monetization, collection of personal and confidential data and any actions

— Yaroslav Gavrilov  (@appletesterrus) August 31, 2022

This policy change went into effect on November 1, 2022. According to Labdaoui, Google sent an email to app developers using the VpnService API on November 1, the effective date, asking them to fill out the 'VPN Service declaration form'. It was requested.

'Google's request to fill out the VPN Service declaration form means that it has decided to kick out the ad blocker from the Google Play store,' said Labdaoui. According to Labdaoui, the app will be removed from Google Play if it does not meet the usage requirements allowed by Google or does not submit the VPN Service declaration form by January 2023.

Labdaoui said that Blokada will not require a local VPN from June 2021 and will continue to be available on Google Play because it already supports the new VPN service policy.