Google has changed its Developer Program Policy. One of the most striking changes is the Inability of third-party applications to record audio calls as of May 11, 2022when the rules come into force.
The standard applies to all Android apps that are available on the Play Store and indicates that Applications that exclusively serve this function will no longer be allowed.
To make the policy workable, the company added a snippet about accessibility APIs to the developer document. Many developers use these APIs, which are used to program functions in applications for people with some type of disability, to “overcome” the limitations of Google’s architecture.
“The Accessibility API was not designed and cannot be requested for audio recording of remote calls,” reads the new text snippet on the topic.
It is important to remember that, even with the ban, some Android devices have native software that allows recording. This is the case of some Xiaomi models, for example.
Reasons for the ban
Google has not officially commented on this specific change. Despite that, the ArsTechnica listed some possible responses to the topic.
The site reminds you that in the constitution of some countries it is only allowed to record a telephone call when all the people expressly agree. In these countries, the recording is only considered valid in a process, for example, if it has the consent of those involved.
Aside from a possible escape from legal trouble, it’s possible that Google is simply making life easier for its own app. Google Recorder (Recorder, in Brazil) remains available as normal and will not be affected by the decision.
Although it is available, Brazilian users may find it difficult to use the software. The Recorder can only be downloaded by smartphones from the Pixel line, which have not officially arrived here.
