Hello Google Play Developer,
In October, we announced updates to our Permissions policy that will limit which apps are allowed to request Call Log and SMS permissions. This is the second notification to let you know that this policy may impact one or more of your apps.
Only an app that has been selected as a user’s default app for making calls or text messages, or whose core functionality is approved for one of the exception use cases, will be able to access Call Log or SMS permissions.
Below, we’ve listed a sample of apps from your catalog which may not meet the requirements for permission requests.
Action required
Please read through the Permissions policy and the Play Console Help Center article, which describes intended uses, exceptions, invalid uses, and alternative options for use of Call Log or SMS permissions, to determine which of the following options apply to your affected app(s):
-
Option 1) Your app does not require access to Call Log or SMS permissions: Remove the specified permissions from your app’s manifest, or migrate to an alternative implementation by January 9, 2019 . If you require additional time to remove permissions or migrate to an alternative option, submit a Permissions Declaration Form to request an extension until March 9, 2019.
-
Option 2) Your app is a default handler, or you believe your app qualifies for an exception: If you haven’t already done so, submit a request using the Permissions Declaration Form by January 9, 2019 . We are currently reviewing submissions and will respond to your request. Note: You do not need to make changes to your app in order to be eligible to submit a request.
Make sure that your app is otherwise compliant with all other Developer Program Policies to prevent your app from being removed.
We appreciate your continued support to make Google Play a positive experience for both developers and our users.
