Google introduces a new security measure for Android applications

The Google developer team takes the security aspect of Android-based devices more and more seriously and, therefore, continues to work on improving the platform, introducing changes that are able to guarantee users a level of protection gradually.

Android applications can check which other apps are installed on a device using the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission but given the security and privacy risks, this feature is only intended for apps that actually need it, such as launchers.

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A new measure for apps published on the Google Play Store

Last year, the Mountain View giant announced that it would start deleting apps from the Google Play Store that used this authorization for no good reason and it seems that this rule is about to come into effect.

The Google team, in fact, has sent an email to developers with published apps using the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES authorization to inform them that they will have to fill in the relevant authorization declaration in the Play Console: this declaration includes an explanation of the reason for which the authorization in question, with a written description and a short demonstration video. Apps without such a declaration are at risk of being removed from the Google Play Store starting June 1, 2022.

The developers of the affected applications then have the option to explain the need to use this permission for the app to function or to remove the permission request.

The Mountain View giant has also created similar rules for apps that use accessibility services and this system represents a satisfactory solution for end-users, who otherwise risk being exposed to dangerous applications.

A bit different, however, is the discourse for app developers, who at this point must hope that the Google team will be able to be quick and effective in evaluating the explanations provided by those who want to continue to use the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES authorization in their own applications.

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