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Google seeks to address package fingerprinting on the Google Play Store.

Recently, at Google Marketing Live – Google said that they see the future of data as consented. To this end, they have moved to restrict the use of the Android permission QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES which allows an Android application the ability to see every other mobile application installed on the device.

To this end, beginning July 12th, 2022 Play Store Apps must properly declare the permission in the app manifest. However, if your app does not fall under one of the approved use cases, it may not use the permission and must remove QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES from the App entirely.

As per the policy, App inventory data collected via the use of this API may never be sold or shared for analytics or ads monetization purposes. Apps which are using the permission for this purpose are already in violation.

Important: If you change how your app uses these restricted permissions, you must revise your declaration with updated and accurate information. Deceptive and undeclared uses of these permissions may result in a suspension of your app and/or termination of your developer account.

https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10158779

Apps which fail to meet the policy requirements are subject to enforcement action which may include removal from the Google Play store. This may be directly relevant if, for example, your app included the logic for one of the invalid use cases. It is strongly advised to ensure your Android app is compliant ahead of the enforcement date.

Published inMobilePrivacy