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Google Play Store to start blocking third-party call recording apps this May

From May 11, 2022, Google Play Store will start applying a policy that prevents third-party call recording apps from functioning on Android devices.

The policy change will ensure that the flagged apps do use the Accessibility API for call recording built into smartphones. However, the rules will not apply to system, pre-installed apps.

For example, Google Pixel and Xiaomi smartphones come with ‘native call recording functions,’ and they will be exempted from this new policy because they have permission to use the API already, and this won’t change.

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Xiaomi has been gaining a stronghold in the smartphone industry lately, and a recent report shows that it still owns the majority of the Indian market share, about 21%, ahead of Samsung, Realme, and others. So, its exemption from the call recording policy is a recognition of its reputation.

As to the reason why Google is making this weird decision, it explained during a developer webinar that third-party call recording apps fall under the category of applications that can:

  • change user settings without their permission or prevent them from disabling or uninstalling it unless authorised by a parent or guardian through a parental control app or authorised administrators though management software;
  • work around Android built-in controls and notificatiosn;
  • change or leverage the user interface in a deceptive way or a way that violates Google Play developer policies.

Thus, the new policy is in place to improve user privacy and control over their devices.

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Onwuasoanya Obinna

A reader of books and stringer of words. Passionate about Science and Tech. When not writing or reading he is surfing the web and Tweeting.