Google modified its developer program policy earlier this month to prohibit third-party Google Play store apps from recording calls.
The change will take effect on May 11, after which time only apps that come pre-installed on Android phones or that Google has created will be able to use this feature.
Google removed call recording on Android 6 and Android 10 but enabled it in later versions under a special accessibility provision for disabled users, according to NLL Apps, an Android recording app provider.
That section will be repealed next month, making telephone recording illegal. Call recording isn’t an appropriate use of Google’s accessibility API, according to a Google spokeswoman.
The prohibition was imposed due to privacy concerns, according to Google. While it’s understandable to prevent apps from recording calls without the user’s permission, some people may desire to record conference or earnings calls. In addition to the limitations listed above, sideloading for call recording on Android may still be a possibility.
Because Google’s restriction only applies to Play Store apps, it will do little to prevent malware that wants to capture calls from doing so through other means.
To read our blog on “Games from the Google Play Store are now available for Windows users,” click here.
