Pointers at Glance
- Google Play Store got a new feature known as Data Safety that required developers to disclose the data they were collecting and if it was shared with third parties.
- After hearing the public outcry, Google will bring back the permissions list.
Google has changed its recent decision to hide the app permissions list on product listings in Google Play Store.
The official Twitter account Android Developers tweeted that the team heard the public outcry and will reinstate the permissions list. It also says that privacy and transparency are core values in the Android community, so they want to uphold that. Users will be able to cross-reference what is on the Data Safety section to Google’s permissions list and ensure app developers are honest about the data they collect.
The tweet also states the app permissions section will be back shortly. Unfortunately, the app permissions list wasn’t back on Google Play Store at the time of this writing.
Actual Feature Rolled Out on Google Play Store
Google rolled out a new feature on the Play Store called Data Safety that required developers to disclose what information they were collecting and if it was being shared with third parties, among other things. Until Google decided to remove the app permissions list, it sounded great.
People could use the permissions list to fact-check the claims of developers and get a better understanding of what developers do with user data. But once the list was gone, you couldn’t verify developer assertions. Google made it murkier instead of creating a more transparent environment. The section of Data Safety essentially runs on the honor system.
Looking through Google’s Data Safety page on its support website, Google states developers are responsible for making complete and accurate declarations in Google Play Store listings. The reinstatement of the permission list should ease some concerns.
Analysis
Data collecting is an outcome of living in a tech-saturated world. Collecting this information is essential for developers to improve their apps, but many users are understandably fearful of losing control of their data. Unfortunately, 2022 has had its fair share of significant data breaches from the attack on Microsoft back in March or the Cash App breach in April.
Google has called for increased security across the tech industry. But, occasionally, the actions of Google are at cross-purposes with these privacy and security aspirations. And sometimes, to simplify its systems, it loses sight of the larger goals. However, It’s nice to see how quickly it can be course-correct.
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