Google’s policy changes from time to time and some of these changes may not be what you like. According to recent reports, the latest changes to the Google Play Store policy will take effect from May 11. The report claims that the changes will kill call recording apps on Android. A few hours ago, Google clearly stated what this policy change means in a developer webinar. According to a Reddit user, NLL Apps, the change in the policy affects the useability of Accessibility API by app developers. According to Google, “The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording.”
Google has been putting in a lot of work to ensure that it eliminates call recording from Android. Over the years, the company has been slowly removing call recording and its associated features. According to Google, this increases the privacy and security of the Android system. Furthermore, the laws guiding call recording vary in different countries. Thus, Google has to be very careful so as to avoid unnecessary court cases.
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On Android 6, Google removed access to real call recording. Subsequently in Android 10, it removed the default call recording over the microphone. This made it difficult for apps to have access to call information. In response to this action, applications on Google Play Store had to use Accessibility API to record calls. However, Google will also block this “loophole” from May 11.
In-build call recording apps will not be in violation
Nevertheless, Google clearly states that this block will only affect third-party applications on its Play Store. This means that in-built call recording features from the likes of Xiaomi, Google and other manufacturers will stay put.
In a recent developer webinar, talking about the changes in the Play Store policy, the presenter explains
“If the app is the default dialer on the phone and also pre-loaded, accessibility capability is not required to get access to the incoming audio stream, and hence, will not be in violation,”
This means that all apps with call recording features that come from the manufacturer will not be in violation. However, third-party applications will require permissions and will not have the same freedom. It remains to be seen whether or not developers will make changes before the May 11 deadline. Google did not also state if it will remove violating apps from the Play Store for not complying.
For those who use these apps, it will not be a good decision. However, what do you think about this latest policy change? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below
