Google is reportedly working on a new policy for app developers on the Play Store. The internet search giant will discontinue apps that offer Android users call recording functionality.
This information was first revealed by a user on a Reddit forum. This Play Store policy will take effect from 11 May 2022 on Android devices.
Launching from Business Insider, this is not the first time for Google to try to stop the call recording function. With the Android 10 update, Google completely removed the call recording feature on its devices.
Google claims that this is done with privacy and security in mind. Another reason may be that call recording laws differ from country to country.
After this, some third-party apps like TrueCaller and ACR Phone started using the Accessibility API to record calls. However, Google has stepped in on this and has announced that the Accessibility API can no longer be used to record calls.
"The Accessibility API was not designed and cannot be requested for audio recording of remote calls," Google says on its support page.
"Use of the Accessibility API must be documented in the Google Play listing," Google added.
The new policy change affects the ability of third-party applications to use the Accessibility API to record calls. However, this policy will not affect the ability of the call recording function of the default application such as on devices from Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.
During the Webinar, Google clarified that this does not affect the default dialer app. If the app is the default dialer in the phone and also comes pre-loaded, accessibility capabilities are not required to gain access to the incoming audio stream, and thus will not violate policy.