To check if an app is government-owned on the Google Play Store, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Google Play Store and search for the app you want to verify.
  2. Look for a "Government" badge on the app's listing page. Google has introduced this badge to indicate official government apps in over a dozen countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.
  3. Tap on the "Government" badge to confirm the app's association with a government entity. A pop-up message will appear stating, "Play has verified this app is associated with a government entity".
  4. If the app does not have a "Government" badge, you can still look for a URL or other contact information registered to a .gov domain (for the United States government) or a .go.jp domain (for Japanese government agencies).
  5. Check the app's description and store listing page for easy-to-see information sources and transparency about the app's affiliation with a government entity.

Google's Play Store policy prohibits apps with misleading descriptions, icons, or screenshots, particularly those claiming to be official. Developers must submit proof of authorization if their app facilitates government processes.