In a recent analysis, it's noted that Google Play has seen a significant 47% drop in app availability since early last year. This decline is attributed to Google's increased scrutiny and removal of apps from individual developers who fail to meet new verification requirements, including the necessity to obtain a DUNS number. This has led to concerns among independent developers regarding privacy and operational hurdles. Additionally, there’s been a focus on purging applications deemed as offering limited functionality, which some commentators regard as a necessary clean-up of the app store, while others criticize the new regulations for stifling creativity and risking the anonymity of solo developers. Important to note is the contextual development involving EU regulations demanding disclosure of developers' identities, which has further complicated matters for individual creators. Overall, while Google Play is reportedly cleaner with higher quality apps, there are growing worries about the implications for independent developers and the diverse app ecosystem.