New Microsoft Store policies make it harder to scam users with paid versions of free apps

Microsoft has released a revised Microsoft Store Policies, a set of rules that every developer must follow if they want to publish their project in the Microsoft Store. Version 7.16 brings several changes, some of which should make it much harder for bad developers to scam people using paid forks of free and open source software.

We recently covered the top 10 features and changes people want to see in the Microsoft Store. Many people agree that Microsoft needs to be more proactive in cracking down on fake or fraudulent apps that use popular software names to charge users for what should be free. Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to stumble upon paid GIMP, overpriced 7ZIp copies, or stupidly expensive Google Chrome “user guides” in the Microsoft Store.

New rules now prohibit the publication of such applications. It is now illegal to list paid copies or forks of free and open source apps. Additionally, Microsoft does not allow overcharging or unreasonably high pricing. Updated section 10.8.7 states the following:

Where you determine the price of your product or in-app purchases, all prices, including sales or discounts, for your digital products or services must:

• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and regulatory guidelines, including without limitation the Federal Trade Commission’s guides against misleading pricing.
• Do not attempt to take advantage of open source software or other software generally available for free, or an irrationally high price in relation to the features and functionality provided by your product.

The Microsoft Store also prohibits software spoofing, which means no third-party app can imitate Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or other developers’ products. This rule, combined with the new pricing policy, should allow Microsoft to remove several apps trying to get easy money from less tech-savvy users.

Another notable change in Microsoft Store policies is that products “whose intent is to provide content related to real-world information, news, or current events are prohibited from spreading misinformation.” These are important changes that will help the overall quality of the Microsoft Store and the safety of its customers.

Developers can learn more about other updates in Microsoft Store policies in the official documentation.