Permissions - midhunhk/message-counter GitHub Wiki

Required Permissions

The following run time permissions are required by the app to function.

  • Access Contacts
  • Access SMS

Startup Permissions

The following permission is used to start the background application if opted in

  • Run at Startup

Additional Permissions

As part of integration with Firebase Analytics, the following permissions are required

  • Access network State
  • Internet

Google Play Policies

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Effective March 2019, Google Play restricts the Use of SMS or Call Log permission groups. In-order to comply with these policies, we had to remove the core functionality of the app which is distributed via Google Play Store.

Note that this restriction is applicable to all apps distributed on Google Play, including other message counter apps.

Possibilities Explored

We did explore the possibilities to go forward.

  • Stop the development and support of the app completely
  • Distribute via other distribution channels since this restriction is only for Google Play

Background

The latest Google Play Policies state:

You should only access Call Log or SMS permissions to enable your app’s core functionality. Core functionality is the main purpose of the app. It’s the feature most prominently documented and promoted in the app’s description; no other feature is more central to the app’s functionality. If this feature isn’t provided, the app is “broken” (for example, won’t perform as a user would expect).

Google does provide for exceptional scenarios, whereby temporary exception to apps that aren’t default SMS, Phone or Assistant handlers may be given when:

  • Use of the permission provides core app functionality to users
  • There is currently no alternative method to provide the core functionality

Exceptional uses listed by Google includes Caller ID, spam detection and blocking; connected device companions; cross-device synchronization or transfer of SMS or calls; SMS-based financial transactions and related activity; and proxy calls (VoIP calling). If the app falls within these exceptions, Google may grant approval, implying a discretionary power in the hands of Google.

Removal from Google Play

Although we filled in the personal form stating that accessing SMS is a Core feature of the app, this was not approved since it is not part of the exceptional scenarios they have listed. Hence the app was removed from Google Play Store in March 2019.

Present Situation

In order to comply with Google Play, the app uploaded to Google Play Store does not contain the core functionality of the app. Instead feature updates and bug fixes would be provided through alternate distribution sources. Click here to visit the alternate sources.

Further Reading