Google to remove apps that don't comply with new call log, SMS policy

Google to remove apps that don't comply with new telephone call log, SMS policy

App developers tin can apply for a temporary exemption while they bring apps into compliance

Google Play Store

Google will begin removing apps that violate its new call log and SMS access permissions.

The search giant kickoff implemented the Play Store policy modify in October, and granted app developers a 90-mean solar day window to update their apps or request an exemption.

Google says it changed the policy around call log and SMS access as several apps abused the feature. In other words, Google wanted to protect users from potentially malicious apps that asked for permission to admission call logs and SMS information.

However, Google had a few missteps of its own with the new policy. Popular automation app Tasker practical for an exemption and was denied, despite the reasonable grounds for accessing SMS data. Google later overturned the decision, exempted Tasker and clarified when it would give exemptions.

Now, the 90-day window is up, and Google plans to begin removing apps that don't comply in the adjacent few weeks. That means any app that accesses phone call logs and SMS permissions and hasn't submitted a permissions declaration form will be removed.

Google besides clarified how the review procedure works for exemption submissions. When reviewing a submission, Google says information technology considers:

Likelihood that an average user would understand why this type of app needs full access to the data
User do good of the feature
Importance of the permission relative to the cadre functionality of the app
Risks presented by all apps with this utilise instance having admission to this sensitive data
Availability of more narrow alternatives for enabling the featre

Google offers two courses of activeness for you lot if information technology removes your app. The offset is to resubmit your app without SMS or telephone call log permissions. The 2nd is to complete a permissions declaration — which yous'll shortly be able to do from within the Play Panel. If approved, y'all'll receive an extension until March 9th to either remove the permissions or receive approval for a permanent exemption.

The search giant says tens of thousands of developers have already resubmitted their apps without the permissions or submitted a form to receive a compliance extension.

Source: Android Developers Weblog