If you suddenly notice that your favorite call recording app is not recording incoming voice on Android, you are not alone. This is a deliberate attempt by Google to block all call recording apps from the Google Play Store. The company has discontinued this and announced a new policy change (effective May 11, 2022) to prevent third-party apps from using the Accessibility API to record calls.
Some third-party developers have abused the open nature of Android OS. The Google Play Store is filled with third-party call recording apps that can violate privacy and security by allowing users to record calls without the recipient’s consent. Google has finally pulled the plug and removed the necessary permissions that allow apps to record calls.
Call recording is a complicated topic
User privacy laws vary from region to region. That’s why you see Android based phone manufacturers or OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Samsung only offering call recording in some countries while disabling the feature. similar in the United States and other parts of the world.
Privacy advocates have long demanded that Google crack down on third-party call recording apps on Android. These apps allow recording of calls without user consent, and this behavior is a direct violation of user privacy and security – no matter what region you are from.
Since Android 6.0, Google has made steady progress in blocking call recording on phones. However, developers always find a way to implement a function. Let’s rewind a bit here.
Google’s attempt to block call recording on Android
Starting with Android 6.0, Google blocked access to real call recording on phones. The developers switched to microphone permission and started accessing this permission during calls to record conversations.
Google once again went ahead and made another change in Android 10. The system prevented the microphone from accessing third-party apps during an active call (iOS does the same). Truecaller and other call recording apps have begun to explore the Accessibility API for call recording.
The software giant recently announced that starting May 11, 2022, it will not allow apps on the Google Play Store to use the Accessibility service to record calls. The new policy states that ‘The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be required for remote call recording.’ You can check out the webinar video for more details. Truecaller has stopped advertising and offers call recording in their Android app.
We tried several third-party call recording apps on the OnePlus 10R and none of them were able to record incoming voice on the device. The recording only plays with our voices from one end.
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel
We understand that some businesses rely on call recording and you may even need this functionality in your daily use. The restrictions mentioned apply only to third-party apps on the Play Store. Google hasn’t put similar limits on the default Phone app that ships with your device.
For example, Samsung’s Phone app allows users to seamlessly record calls (if permitted by law). Similarly, the Mi dialer app (Xiaomi Phone app) and Google dialer app pre-installed on OnePlus, Vivo, Pixel, Nokia and Motorola phones provide call recording functionality.
If call recording is essential to you, make sure you buy an Android phone that comes with a dialer app that allows you to record calls. Even if you download the Google Phone app from the Play Store, it won’t have any recording functionality (as Google Phone will be treated as a third party app on your phone).
Again, we remind you that these built-in dialing applications only provide call recording in areas where the laws of that country allow. In countries like India, Spain, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, etc., it is completely legal to record conversations in which you are one of the participants.
Do not record calls without user consent
Google knows how third-party apps are abusing the Accessibility API to record calls. It’s time for the company to end this practice and hammer the final nail in the coffin for call recording apps. So think twice before hitting the download or paying button for an Android call recorder app. Do not follow the positive reviews. They may be posted before policy changes go into effect.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
