  Google has mandated developers to use Data Safety Sections (DSS) to increase
transparency in data collection and sharing practices. In this paper, we
present a comprehensive analysis of Google's Data Safety Section (DSS) using
both quantitative and qualitative methods. We conduct the first large-scale
measurement study of DSS using apps from Android Play store (n=1.1M). We find
that there are internal inconsistencies within the reported practices. We also
find trends of both over and under-reporting practices in the DSSs.
  Next, we conduct a longitudinal study of DSS to explore how the reported
practices evolve over time, and find that the developers are still adjusting
their practices. To contextualize these findings, we conduct a developer study,
uncovering the process that app developers undergo when working with DSS. We
highlight the challenges faced and strategies employed by developers for DSS
submission, and the factors contributing to changes in the DSS. Our research
contributes valuable insights into the complexities of implementing and
maintaining privacy labels, underlining the need for better resources, tools,
and guidelines to aid developers. This understanding is crucial as the accuracy
and reliability of privacy labels directly impact their effectiveness.
