Decline in GWS coverage and aggregate usage metrics starting in 2023

Hi Dewey team,

We are currently working with the GWS mobile app usage dataset and would appreciate some clarification regarding data dynamics observed in recent years.

In particular, beginning in 2023, we document a persistent and broad-based decline in:

panel size (covered devices)
total app usage time
total app launches

This pattern appears across a wide range of apps and categories.

Given that GWS data collection was subsequently discontinued, we are trying to assess whether these trends may be related to:

panel attrition or reduced recruitment
changes in data collection technology or permissions (e.g., Android OS updates)
shifts in weighting or aggregation procedures

or whether they reflect genuine changes in underlying user behavior.

Could you advise whether there were any known structural changes, data quality considerations, or documentation relevant to this period (especially 2023 onward)?

This would be extremely helpful for ensuring correct interpretation and appropriate normalization in academic research.

Many thanks for your help.