I just launched an app in the Google Play Store. I did find it a bit weird that I had to provide my physical home address to get my app listed. Not sure what I would do if someone turned up to complain. Make them a cup of tea?
Don’t know about US, but in EU you legally have to publish your address and it will be shown on the store page if your app has ads or in-app purchases.
Anyway, ads are just a sidechannel for purchase. There is a product advertised, someone buys it and developer gets the cut from the seller of the product. This is how ads work.
Just in case they're looking in the wrong place (looks like they moved where this information was since I last looked), you have to expand it in the sidebar on the right.
It's because of a law in California. Don't remember the reason behind it, but Google decided to apply it everywhere. It's also why I let my app die years ago instead of publishing the updated version.
There is - every server host does KYC and so does every domain registrar (by law). If you're found to have provided incorrect details, it allows them to immediately remove your server or domain without notice.
No there isn't, Google's requirement is to put that information publicly for everybody to see. That's not nearly the same thing as being available on court request.
With that policy, Google encourages stalkers and put developers in danger.
A California law around a decade ago started it (a consumer protection law I think, something like requiring customers to have an address they can contact any seller at), and Google lazily applied it to everyone.
I would have been fine just preventing Californians from downloading my app, but that wasn't an option so I just let my app die.
There actually is in some regions. For example in Germany any publication must include an Impressum with details about the author and publisher. This requirement also applies to websites
You should not distribute apps via the Google Play Store. Using alternative means, including F-Droid as relevant. And it was a mistake of you to register, because you're helping Alphabet exert more pressure and control on others.
