Google clamps down on Android app access to personal data

Android security
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Google has continued its push to make Android the most secure mobile operating system by cracking down on app permissions.

The company recently revealed that a recent change in its apps permission policy now means that 98% of Android apps do not ask for access to user’s SMS and call data. 

This folliowed the introduction of a 2018 policy that aimed to ensure user data privacy and security in mind by limiting apps that were unnecessarily seeking permission to personal information.

Android app privacy

As a result, now only a handful of applications require access to call logs and SMS’s to perform their core tasks.

Google recently revealed that it has blocked over 790,000 possibly malicious applications from being published on the Play Store,  with ‘tens of thousands of apps' removed or updated. 

A policy update in 2019 also targeted towards segregating apps that were kids and family-friendly.

Despite these claims and updates, several dodgy Android apps have slipped through the gaps. Last year a popular app called CamScanner came with an update that allowed hackers to install a trojan on the devices. Another investigation found  over 1300 apps found to be able to access user data even when they were explicitly denied the permission to do so.

While Google's aim of making Android as safe as iOS may still be a way off, these attempts appear to have helped educate app developers, who have started to respect user privacy by not attempting to collect user data unless specifically required.

Via: Google Blog

TOPICS
Jitendra Soni

Jitendra has been working in the Internet Industry for the last 7 years now and has written about a wide range of topics including gadgets, smartphones, reviews, games, software, apps, deep tech, AI, and consumer electronics.  

Latest in Security
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
US government warns agencies to make sure their backups are safe from NAKIVO security issue
Laptop computer displaying logo of WordPress, a free and open-source content management system (CMS)
This top WordPress plugin could be hiding a worrying security flaw, so be on your guard
Computer Hacked, System Error, Virus, Cyber attack, Malware Concept. Danger Symbol
Veeam urges users to patch security issues which could allow backup hacks
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer
The UK releases timeline for migration to post-quantum cryptography
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
Cisco smart licensing system sees critical security flaws exploited
Latest in News
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #385)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #651)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
L-mount alliance
Sirui joins L-Mount Alliance to deliver its superb budget lenses for Leica, DJI, Sigma and Panasonic cameras