Microsoft updates Microsoft Store strategy: focus on "fighting" unofficial open source programs that deceive paid versions

Recently, Microsoft updated its strategy version 7.16 for the Microsoft Store (Microsoft App Store). A key highlight of the release's strategy is the crackdown on unofficial developers who repackage free and open source software and put a price tag on it.

I believe that everyone has used the Microsoft App Store before, and you may have noticed that there are more and more open source and free products in it. While it's good for developers to upload apps and games to the app store, it's not the case as most uploads are done by unofficial third parties.

To make matters worse, many of these programs are not available for free, but as paid apps. In other words, Microsoft customers have to pay to buy the Store version of the app, which is available for free elsewhere. So, we sometimes see both the official free version and the third-party paid version in the store.

For example, Gimp, the popular photo-editing software in the Microsoft Store -- full name Gimp Easy -- costs $9.99. But ironically, another unofficial listing on Gimp has more ratings and reviews than the official listing on the Microsoft Store.

Having to pay for a free app is bad enough, but it's more than that for users, as frequent updates are also a problem.

According to Microsoft's newly revised Microsoft Store policy version 7.16: "If you determine the pricing of products or in-app purchases, all pricing, such as sales or discounts for your digital products, services, and Profit from your software and must not be priced higher than the features or functionality offered by your product.”

For example, Policy 10.8.7 clearly states:

"If you determine the pricing of products or in-app purchases, all pricing (including sales or discounts) of your digital products or services must:  …do not attempt to gain benefits, and don’t overprice the features and functionality the product offers…”

That said, the Microsoft Store has begun banning bad developers from charging for repackaged open-source software to ensure the accuracy of product metadata.

Generally speaking, the programs in the Microsoft App Store are free. After the implementation of the new policy, open source and free products may no longer be allowed to be sold, and developers are not allowed to set unreasonably high price tags for their products.

Another notable change in the update policy is a new policy for apps that provide content related to real-world information, news, or current events. In the future, such apps should not "use or distribute false or deceptive images, videos, and/or text, or other content that could cause harm to individuals, entities, or matters of public concern," Microsoft said.

After implementing these strategies, Microsoft may remove a large number of apps from the App Store. Previously, developers could submit apps to Microsoft, but the new policy gives Microsoft direct control over app listings and submissions.

It is reported that the new Microsoft Store policy took effect earlier last week. If you want to see all the updates included in Microsoft Store Policy version 7.16, you can get it from the official Microsoft website.

Reference link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/publish/store-policies?redirectedfrom=MSDN#108-financial-transactions