EDIT - My answer in replies.

I'm a new developer (UK Based), and I'm looking into creating and posting my first Android app to the Google Play store in the near future.

When I looked at the requirements for creating a developer account, I noticed the rather concerning point that my full legal name and address would be visible to any and all users of Google Play, regardless of downloading, using or purchasing my app.

While I understand the need for transparency and the fact that if (or when) I set up a business, that this information will be publicly available anyway, but it still feels wrong to make my personal information public in this way.

Is there anyone here that is currently a developer on Google Play?  And how do you manage the risks associated with this kind of disclosure?

I recognise there is a difference between a Personal and Organisation account, does anyone have experience of the differences in the pros and cons of the different types of account?

After much thought on the matter, and a lack of opinion from the forum, I have decided to accept the risk and give google play a go.

Over the last week or so I have searched for, read and watched various posts about this question and have come to my own conclusion for the following reasons:

• In the UK, if I was to set up a limited company, or trade mark my developer name, my personal information would become public anyway (without having a second address for the company, or the funds to obtain an "office" address).  This means that whatever I do, I am exposing my information to everyone anyway.
• While I don't really agree with the policy from Google because it just seems lazy or poorly thought through, I understand it.  Google is trying to protect itself with this policy, and likely hoping that unsavoury developers will abandon Google Play as a result.
• Google Play still provides the cheapest cost of entry to their market place when compared to other platforms like iOS, Steam or Console.  As I'm starting with limited financing, and just starting to try and formalise my development activities, this makes Google Play the logical starting point for me.
• While a lot of opinions on this policy seem to be strongly against the idea of continuing to use Google Play as a solo developer, and for good reasons, if I want to start down this road, and try to monetise my activities, I presently have few affordable options.  So I can give it a go and try to make it work, or I can remain a hobby developer, with no real prospect of making the dream a reality.

As a further note, I understand the returns on monetisation strategies vary and, unless a project far surpasses any expectation I might have today, that the returns will most likely be minimal to start with.  But I'm still going to try.