Play Store | Google will remove applications that require access to calls and text messages.

Google announced that it would remove from its official store for Android, the Play Store, all applications that request access to call records or text messages. Developers will have until March 9 to change or request permission, as the use of such features will only be available for software managing or using links directly. or SMS.

This is the case, for example, of applications that automatically identify spam links or fraudulent text messages. Google will approve these solutions one by one. The number of the most renowned and most important users having the guarantee to stay on the App Store will of course be provided that they meet all the security requirements to access these items.

In a statement, Google said it was contacting developers whose solutions are requesting such permissions since October, informing them in advance of changes. political and give them a good time to adapt. Now, however, the word of the end is on the air and everyone has until March 9 to update its applications. Thus, they no longer depend on this access nor ask the authorization of society.

The relevance of obtaining this authorization is essential for the normal operation of the solution. and the risks badociated with providing such data. In addition, Google will evaluate the communication of applications on this subject, the user must always know exactly why the application requires such access and if there is no other way to do the same without using the call history. text messaging.

Change is more of an attitude towards information security from the Strobe project, which was launched by Google last year, as an internal organization that regulates the use of its APIs and user data. One of the main results of this initiative was the discovery of a bug in Google+, which allowed access to user information and motivated the closure of the social network.

In this case, according to the giant, nothing proves that the gap has been explored, but if it was, it could give access to data such as the full name, the date of birth, photos, occupation and city of residence. More sensitive data such as e-mails or phone numbers, for example, were not available this way, but the opening was serious enough for Google to take a decisive step against a platform. form dying for a long time. 19659002] Another change to be applied by the Strobe project will give Android users more control over application permissions, which will make it easier to understand what will be accessed and refuse it later. According to Google, the use of more "restricted API" should not interfere with the normal operation of most applications, but it will be an interesting step forward for user safety.

A similar dynamic will also be adopted for Gmail, with only applications related to messaging services or messaging management can access the service API. In this case, at least for the moment, it is not necessary to individually approve the solutions to make available in the Play Store, but Google claims to closely monitor security risks or abuses.

Source: Android Developer Blog