Google enables several key policy changes to improve Android ecological security

Google enables several key policy changes to improve Android ecological security

Google enables several key policy changes to improve Android ecological security.

Google recently announced several key policy changes for Android app developers that will improve the security of users, Google Play, and apps provided by the service.

These new developer requirements will go into effect between May 11 and November 1, 2022, giving developers plenty of time to adapt to the new changes.

Among these key policy changes, the most significant ones related to cybersecurity and fraud include:

● New API level target requirements

● Prohibit loan applications with an annual interest rate (APR) of 36% or more.

● Prohibit abuse of Accessibility API

● New policy modification on permissions to install packages from external sources

New API level target

From November 1st, 2022, all newly released/published apps must target the Android API level released within one year of the latest major Android release.

Apps that fail to comply with this requirement will be rejected from the Play Store.

This change is designed to force app developers to adopt stricter API policies that underpin newer Android versions, often better permissions management and revocation, notification anti-hijacking, data privacy enhancements, phishing detection, Splash screen restrictions, and more.

Splash Screen Restrictions and Others

As Google explained in a blog post about the new policy: “Users with the latest devices, or those who have fully caught up with Android updates, expect to realize the full potential of all the privacy and security protections Android offers”.

Application developers who need more time to migrate to more current API levels can apply for a six-month extension, although this is not guaranteed to work for everyone.