Google removes third party Android call recording apps from its play store.
On 11th May, the effective policy guidelines will effect.
As a result of the new policies, Google has effectively halted third-party call-recording apps in the Play Store, claiming it wants access to accessibility APIs for other purposes.
Google wouldn’t want apps to use accessibility features outside of their intended purpose. While it appears likely that this crackdown will preserve privacy given that Google’s own phone app lets you record calls natively. The default mobile apps, such as Samsung’s, will be able to retain their call recording capabilities, too, since they won’t use the accessibility API to get audio from calls.
Google. Your app’s content that is accessible to children must be appropriate for children. If your app contains content that is not globally appropriate, but that content is deemed appropriate for child users in a particular region, the app may be available in that region (limited regions) but will remain unavailable in other regions.
The Accessibility API cannot be used to:
Change user settings without their permission or prevent the ability for users to disable or uninstall any app or service unless authorized by a parent or guardian through a parental control app or by authorized administrators through enterprise management software;
Work around Android built-in privacy controls and notifications; or
Change or leverage the user interface in a way that is deceptive or otherwise violates Google Play Developer Policies.
The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording.
Guidelines for IsAccessibilityTool
Apps with a core functionality intended to directly support people with disabilities are eligible to use the IsAccessibilityTool to appropriately publicly designate themselves as an accessibility app.
Apps not eligible for IsAccessibilityTool may not use the flag and must meet prominent disclosure and consent requirements as outlined in the User Data policy as the accessibility related functionality is not obvious to the user. Please refer to the AccessibilityService API help center article for more information.
Apps must use more narrowly scoped APIs and permissions in lieu of the Accessibility API when possible to achieve the desired functionality.
