As an Android user, you need to know that Android applications can use QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission to scan the apps that you installed on your phone. In other words, they can see what apps you are using. Though, this could be a threat to the user’s privacy. However, Google is seeking to prevent Android applications from scanning other apps. Google’s plan is to allow only certain applications such as app launchers or backup tools to scan other applications installed on the phone. The company has sent an email to developers who use QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission and notifying them about new policies. Google has asked them to fill out the relevant permission declaration in the Play Console.
Google will remove apps from the Play Store that can scan for other apps
The developers should explain why a “core feature in your app” requires this permission. The explanation must be through a written description and a short video demonstration. Starting June 1, 2022, apps that don’t provide declaration are likely to be removed from the Play Store. It’s kind of good news that Google is taking steps to reinforce users’ privacy and prevent developers from monitoring users. However, in Android 10 and earlier versions, applications could get a list of the installed apps without even permission. Well, this poses privacy threats to users as developers can misuse the obtained information for advertising purposes or abuse competition. Fortunately, in Android 11, the list of apps is filtered by default, and QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission was the only way for developers to see what apps are installed on the phone. This method will also be blocked if the developers can not provide convincing reasons to Google. Google first intended to push its new policies on May 5, 2021. However, the company later postponed the deadline due to “COVID-19 related considerations.”
