Google To Kill a Bunch of Useful Android Apps That Rely On Accessibility Services (androidpolice.com)

Slashdot reader Lauren Weinstein writes from a blog: My inbox has been filling today with questions regarding Google's new warning to Android application developers that they will no longer be able to access Android accessibility service functions in their apps, unless they can demonstrate that those functions are specifically being used to help users with "disabilities" (a term not defined by Google in the warning). Beyond the overall vagueness when it comes to what is meant by disabilities, this entire approach by Google seems utterly wrongheaded and misguided. "While the intended purpose is for developers to create apps for users with disabilities, the API is often used for other functionality (to overlay content, fill in text fields, etc.)," reports Android Police. "LastPass, Universal Copy, Clipboard Actions, Cerberus, Signal Spy, Tasker, and Network Monitor Mini are just a few examples of applications heavily using this API." It's likely Google is cracking down on apps that use Accessibility Services due to the security risks they pose. "Once granted the right permissions, the API can be used to read data from other apps," reports Android Police.
The developer of BatterySaver received the following message from Google:

We're contacting you because your app, BatterySaver System Shortcut, with package name com.floriandraschbacher.batterysaver.free is requesting the 'android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE.' Apps requesting accessibility services should only be used to help users with disabilities use Android devices and apps. Your app must comply with our Permissions policy and the Prominent Disclosure requirements of our User Data policy.

Action required: If you aren't already doing so, you must explain to users how your app is using the 'android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE' to help users with disabilities use Android devices and apps. Apps that fail to meet this requirement within 30 days may be removed from Google Play. Alternatively, you can remove any requests for accessibility services within your app. You can also choose to unpublish your app.

Alternatively, you can choose to unpublish the app. All violations are tracked. Serious or repeated violations of any nature will result in the termination of your developer account, and investigation and possible termination of related Google accounts.

If you've reviewed the policy and feel we may have been in error, please reach out to our policy support team. One of my colleagues will get back to you within 2 business days.

Regards,

The Google Play Review Team

Comments

Google's concern seems a bit hollow

[hyades1]

Perhaps I'd find this sudden concern about security a bit more believable if Google hadn't allowed every app that's come down the pipe since the Stone Age basically to rape whatever device it's installed on. Why does just about every game in the app store "need" access to my contacts, or permission to read my browser history?

I have only one Android device, a tablet. The first thing I did after getting it home was to root it and install CyanogenMod.

I wish I could believe this move by Google meant they intended to reexamine a corporate mindset apparently dedicated to the utter destruction of any vestige of privacy among those using its ubiquitous services.

Sadly, I can harbour no such illusions. That's unfortunate, because this admittedly security-related measure will hurt many people who don't regard themselves as "disabled", but who need easy access to the services affected.