Google Is Removing Third-Party Call Recording Apps From Google Play Store

Google has officially decided to implement new Play Store policies beginning May 11 that will prohibit third-party applications from recording call audio streams using the Accessibility API. Google had already decommissioned the feature for 10 Android devices.

This policy will not affect the system or pre-installed applications that already have access to the Accessibility API. According to Google:

The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording.

The updated policies are Google’s initiative to improve privacy and security, as call recording laws vary widely around the world.

Native call recording functionality on phones such as the Google Pixel or Xiaomi devices, on the other hand, is an exception that will not be affected by the policies. Google explained:

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 policy change, as noted by Reddit user NLL Apps, affects app developers’ use of the Accessibility API. “The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording,” Google says. Google also clarified the policy in a developer webinar that was live-streamed just a few hours ago.

Over the course of several Android versions, Google has gradually deprecated and removed APIs that enable call recording. The company does this for the sake of privacy and security, as well as because call recording laws vary so widely between countries. Google blocked call recording by default in Android 10. To get around the restriction, Play Store apps began recording calls using the Accessibility API. After that, this will no longer be possible.

However, Google’s policy only applies to third-party call recording apps available on the Play Store. The ability to record calls natively on phones such as the Google Pixels or Xiaomi phones with the Mi Dialer will be unaffected.

“If the app is the phone’s default dialer and also pre-loaded, accessibility capability is not required to get access to the incoming audio stream, and thus will not be in violation,” the presenter explained in the developer webinar discussing the Google Play policy updates.

Because they come pre-installed on the phone, system apps can basically request any permission they want. Third-party apps, on the other hand, do not have the same leeway and must obtain permissions.

What do you think of Google restricting call recording apps? Are you okay with the change, or do you dislike it?. Leave your comments below.