From Now On, Only Default Android Apps Can Access Call Log and SMS Data

Now to prevent abuse and potential leakage of sensitive data to
third-party app developers, Google has made several significant
changes giving users more control over what type of data they
choose to share with each app.

The changes are part of Google’s Project Strobe—a
“root-and-branch” review of third-party developers access to Google
account and Android device data and of its idea around apps’ data
access.

Restricted Call Log and SMS Permissions for Apps

Google announced some new changes to the way permissions are
approved for Android apps to prevent abuse and potential leakage of
sensitive call and text log data by third-party developers.
While the apps are only supposed to request permission those are
required for functioning properly, any Android app can ask
permission to access your phone and SMS data unnecessarily.

To prevent users against surveillance and commercial spyware
apps, Google has finally included a new rule under its Google Play
Developer Policy that now limits Call
Log and SMS permission usage to your “default” phone or SMS apps
only.
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Restricted Gmail API for Limited Apps

Since APIs can allow developers to access your susceptible data
from your Gmail email account, Google has now finally decided to
limit access to Gmail API only for apps that directly enhance email
functionality—such as email clients, email backup services and
productivity services.

New Privacy Interface for Third-Party App Permissions

When third-party app prompts users to access their Google account
data, clicking “allow” approve all requested permissions at once,
leaving an opportunity for malicious apps to trick users into
giving away powerful permissions.
But now Google has updated its Account Permissions system that asks
for each requested permission individually rather than all at once,
giving users more control over what type of account data they
choose to share with each app.

Besides these changes, in next few hours, at 11 AM ET, Google is
going to announce some cool new gadgets and Pixel devices at its
third annual “Made By Google” event in New York.

Stay tuned for more updates.