Google to Block Call Recording Apps on May 11

Google is going to ban all third-party call recording apps from the Play Store by May 11th, according to a Reddit post seen by 9to5Google.

This move comes in line with a new Play Store policy as such apps exploit the Accessibility API (designed for people with disabilities) to gain access to the audio functions on Android devices.

"Apps with a core functionality intended to directly support people with disabilities are eligible to use the IsAccessibilityTool," the policy noted. "Apps not eligible for IsAccessibilityTool may not use the flag and must meet prominent disclosure and consent requirements. The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording. "

Step by step, Google has been trying to delete call recordings on Android due to privacy concerns. In this manner, the call recordings were largely blocked on Android 6, and the use of the microphone for call recording was eliminated in Android 10.

Google touched upon the issue in a webinar video, indicating that "remote in this context refers to call audio recording where the person on the other end is unaware of the recording is taking place."

Furthermore, the giant added that dialer apps like Google Phone and Mi Dialer with native call recording functionality will be unaffected by the change.

"If the app is the default dialer on the phone and also pre-loaded, accessibility capability is not required to get access to the incoming audio stream," said Google content global operations lead Moun Choi.

"Hence would not be in violation. Since this is a clarification to an existing policy, the new language will apply to all apps starting on May 11th."