Google Play Store to impose Ban on Sugar Dating Apps

Google is imposing a blanket ban on sugar dating apps in order to make the Play Store a safer place.

According to the tech giant, the Google Play Store will no longer host sugar dating apps from September 1, 2021.

This is part of Google’s new restrictions on sexual content, by banning apps that promote “compensated sexual relationships”.

As part of the update of Google’s Inappropriate Content policy, they will crack down on apps such as SDM, Sugar Daddy and Spoil.

Sugar dating refers to a relationship where a wealthy older man or woman – also known as a sugar daddy or mummy – compensates a younger person in exchange for favours.

These favours are typically sexual, although not always.

Speaking of its renewal of the ban on sexual content, Google said:

“As a platform, we are always excited to support our developer partners, but we also work hard to provide a safe experience for users.

“We have updated our Inappropriate Content policy to prohibit apps that facilitate sexual acts in exchange for compensation following feedback we received from NGOs, governments, and other user advocacy groups concerned with user safety.

“This aligns our policies with other Google policies and industry norms.”

According to a leading sugar daddy website, India has the highest number of sugar daddies among all Asian countries.

As of February 2021, India recorded 338,000 sugar daddies, despite sugar dating still being an emerging phenomenon.

According to the sugar dating website SeekingArrangement, sugar daddies and mummies are successful people who “enjoy attractive company by their side”.

Sugar babies are referred to as “attractive people looking for the finer things in life and who appreciate exotic trips and gifts”.

In a statement, SeekingArrangement said that inequality and unemployment popularised sugar dating in Asian countries.

The growing number of billionaires during the Covid-19 pandemic also contributed to this.

CEO and Founder Brandon Wade said:

“A platform like this helps connect young and empowered women with wealthier, more affluent men, who not only bolster their financial woes, but also act as a mentor or gateway in catapulting a promising future for these sugar babies.”

Sugar dating apps work like regular dating apps, where a person answers basic questions about themselves. They can also see the profiles of others based on mutual interests.

However, the person must indicate if they are looking for success, looks, charm or wealth.