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Google's New SMS and Call Permission Policy is Crippling Apps Used by Millions (androidpolice.com)
Ryne Hager, writing for AndroidPolice: Late last year, Google decided it was time to crack down on apps requesting SMS and call log permissions. Ostensibly, exceptions would be granted for categories including backups and automation, but as of now, there are still gaps which cover legitimate use cases. While some popular apps like Tasker have successfully secured exemptions, others like Cerberus have not. Instead, they've decided to strip out those permissions or risk facing the wrath of Google's upcoming January 9th banhammer, killing associated functionality and disappointing millions of long-time users to adhere to the Play Store's new policy.
The Play Console support page for the applicable set of permissions notifies developers that they can submit what is effectively an application for an exemption, categories for which are listed on the same page. (And that list of exceptions has grown since the original announcement.) Nonetheless, a further set of prohibitions are also included in the form itself, which explicitly preclude support for phone security/device location apps like Cerberus.
The Play Console support page for the applicable set of permissions notifies developers that they can submit what is effectively an application for an exemption, categories for which are listed on the same page. (And that list of exceptions has grown since the original announcement.) Nonetheless, a further set of prohibitions are also included in the form itself, which explicitly preclude support for phone security/device location apps like Cerberus.
Users just need the ability to approve this on a per- app basis, not censorship.
I've been an Android user since about the end of 6 and it has always had that ability on my phones (Nexus 6P and Pixel 3 XL). You have to go out of the way to change the permissions though so it would be nice if it would pop up the list for you to verify the first time you run it after an install or update.
What pisses me off is the apps that refuse to work at all if they don't have a specific permission even if you don't use the related feature. For example I have a heart monitor that requires microphone permission so you can record notes, but it also allows you to write simple text notes too. If you don't give it permission to use the microphone it refuses to work at all. I've run into plenty of others too, but that's the only one where my answer couldn't simply be to delete the app.