Notifying user that a specific feature will require login in the future

Question

So, I'm in this situation. I have a widely used and strongly advertised feature in my app, that, like almost any other features in my app, does not require a user login.

Here's the problem. Say, I need to change access to the feature, so that only logged in users can use it. I don't have any control over the change, as it is a government request.

Here's the situation:

• No control over enforcement of change
• Not everyone has access to/can create a user account
• Login required for future access to that commonly used feature
• Enforcement needs to occurr pretty much as soon as possible.

How does one handle a situation like that?

• How do I notify the user of that change?
• Who should I notify about the change? (every user, only the ones using the feature, users that aren't logged in, users who are using the feature but aren't logged in?)
• How long prior to the change should I notify users?
• How can I explain to users without the ability to create an account that the feature won't be available anymore?
• How long, if at all, after the change takes effect should I have a message when trying to use the feature without a login, informing users about the circumstances of the recent change, rather than just telling them that the feature requires login?
• Through which channels should I inform users about the change? (In-App general, In-App when using the feature, Push Notification?)
• Why inform the user prior to the change, instead of pushing the change and informing them as soon as the try to use it?

Thanks a lot for your help. Really looking forward to your insightful answers :)

Answer 1

My first thought - and I hope to have time to expand upon this later - is that you should have some sort of alert notifying people of the change about a month before it goes into effect, though this time interval should definitely take into account how frequently your users interact with the feature. I would trigger this alert for any users who are not logged in and try to access the feature. You might consider a single push notification to all users at the start of this "warning" period.

After the launch, only show the alert for people who are not logged in and try to access that feature, though you might give them a link to register from the alert. It's probably fair to always keep this alert in place for anyone not logged if they attempt to access the feature; once they have tried a couple of times, they will either learn to stop trying, or to register. If they are not allowed to register for some reason, that is a whole different problem.

I would consider the tone and wording of your message carefully. It is fair to make sure the users realize that this is an externally enforced change and that you feel bad about it, but remain concise and always respectful of your users.

Without knowing more about your app and audience, I don't want to commit to much beyond this. But based on what explain, this feels like a good place to start.