Google to Remove Apps that Need Access to SMS & Call Records

Google looks to crack down on apps that need access to texts and call records.

Google is going to remove apps from its platform that have not submitted a Permissions Declaration Form.

(Photo: The Quint)

In an attempt to curb the misuse of user data on its platform, Google has decided to remove apps that require access to text messages and call logs and have not submitted a Permissions Declaration Form, the company said in a blog post on Monday.

Privacy concerns today are of utmost important and tech biggies like Google and Facebook have been under fire on accounts of how they have been recklessly handling sensitive user data.

The blog post serves as a reminder for all the developers to meet the required norms as Google is looking to improve its end to help users control their own data.

Google’s restriction policy was first announced in October last year where developers were granted 90 days to review their permissions.

As previously announced and directly communicated to developers via email, we’ll be removing apps from the Google Play Store that ask for SMS or Call Log permission and have not submitted a Permissions Declaration Form. If you have not submitted a <a href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/9047303">permissions declaration form</a> and your app is removed, see below for next steps.

Google Blog Post

Last week, Facebook also issued an ultimatum to developers to use its passwordless tool for their Android apps and subsequently make changes so that the apps are compliant with Google's new policy.

Google has been very strict with compliance and has also rejected the request from many developers already.