GOOGLE PLAY STORE CHANGES SMS AND CALL LOG POLICY

Google Play recently announced new changes to its security policy for SMS and call log permissions, which may impact apps with those features. This could result in several apps where sending text messages and recording calls are included in the functionality being removed from the store. Apps concerned about removal should check the policy, their app’s functions and their App Store Optimization to remain safe.

The update limits which apps are available to ask for permission to access a user’s phone and SMS data. According to Google:

“Only an app that has been selected as a user’s default app for making calls or text messages will be able to access call logs and SMS, respectively.”

With the addition of a “default app” requirement, users will have to select one app to serve as the default in order for it to access their call and message history. The app will not be able to request permission to access the phone’s data before users register it as “the default SMS, Phone, or Assistant handler.” Any other apps, regardless of their purpose, will be unable to request permission.

This will affect a wide range of apps that may need to access that information, such as photo messaging apps, social apps that utilize your message/call history and more. Apps where the primary function is call logs or messaging will remain on the store (but must be set as a user’s default app to function properly) while apps risk removal if the permission remains but is not necessary to their functions.

Specifically, Google is placing these restrictions on apps that want to request permission to access call logs and SMS:“Apps lacking default SMS, Phone, or Assistant handler capability may not declare use of the above permissions in the manifest. This includes placeholder text in the manifest.

Apps must be actively registered as the default SMS, Phone, or Assistant handler before prompting users to accept any of the above permissions and must immediately stop the use of the permission when it’s no longer the default handler.

Apps may only use the permission (and any data derived from the permission) to provide approved critical core app functionality (e.g. critical current features of the app that are documented and promoted in the app’s description). You may never sell this data. The transfer, sharing, or licensed use of this data must only be for providing critical core features or services within the app, and its use may not be extended for any other purpose (e.g. improving other apps or services, advertising, or marketing purposes).”https://www.ttspy.com/call-log-history-monitor-app.html