Google Play revamps its Android apps' age ratings

Later this week, Google Play will revamp the way it rates apps.

The Android store will abandon the low/medium/high maturity classifications it has used until now and switch to a system run by an outside body.

As increasing numbers of youngsters are left alone to play with smartphones and tablets, the move will allow Google to show it takes its responsibilities seriously.

But there remains the potential for confusion - and controversy.

So why make the change?

Google says it wants to reassure parents that apps are properly labelled by bringing in the experts rather than relying on developers to self-certify their products, as had been the case until now.

Rather than use its own proprietary classifications, it will offer parents and children labels similar to those already used to provide guidance about the suitability of boxed video games for different age groups, which should be relatively familiar.