Google bans call recording apps

Google recently announced a new policy regarding Play Store apps that record phone conversations. If there is no clear reason for this change, we note that there are a lot of applications of this type on the Store and that they require a lot of authorizations to operate (audio recording, access to contacts, media files, etc.) So Google wants to put the kibosh on it.

APIs used against purpose

Google may also not like that these apps use accessibility APIs, facilities for programmers wishing to develop apps for people with disabilities or with a particular difficulty. And this is the case here since these apps all use the Google Recorder API. This is to prevent developers from hijacking it to allow these recordings. Remember that recording a telephone conversation without a person’s knowledge is illegal in France, but this is not the case everywhere. In some countries where the practice is authorized, Google gives the possibility of doing it directly from the Phone application of its Pixel devices for example. The question of legality is apparently not part of the equation.

Google will kill call recording apps on Android for good starting May 11.
Read more: https://t.co/Y4W4jRZQWm#technology #Google #Android #apps pic.twitter.com/9nPlWIWACK

—Android Authority (@AndroidAuth) April 22, 2022

Overcoats are not affected

Finally, this ban only concerns the Google Play Store. This is not a restriction on the system to prevent their installation or operation: you can continue to use them by installing them from an APK file (be careful where you get them) or by installing them from the Store before May 11. Similarly, manufacturers who allow conversations to be recorded in their overlays, such as Xiaomi’s MIUI or Meizu’s Flyme OS, are not affected by this measure.

The Call Recorder app asks for a lot of accessibility permissions. It actually uses functions related to the needs of the disabled and this does not necessarily appeal to Google.