Google is reportedly planning to give Android users more control over the privacy settings and manage the individual app permissions, as per a new report from Bloomberg.
This means users will be able to control what the app can access on their device before they download it from the Google Play Store.
Enhanced Privacy Controls
This is definitely a right step as privacy has become a big concern for Android users as most apps request access to stuff which is unrelated to the app. For instance, a simple flashlight app might request access to your contacts or location, which raises questions about the necessity and security of such permissions. By allowing users to manage these permissions more granularly, Google is addressing a significant pain point for its user base.
The report says,
Google’s Android operating system is set to give users more detailed choices over what apps can access, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter remains private. That could include photos, contacts or location. An announcement of the change, which would put Android closer in line with Apple Inc.’s iOS, is expected for Google’s developer’s conference in San Francisco this month, one of the people said.
Comparison with iOS
Apple’s iOS has long been praised for its stringent privacy controls, allowing users to grant or deny permissions on a case-by-case basis. This move by Google seems to be an effort to bring Android’s privacy features closer to the level of control that iOS users have enjoyed for years. For example, iOS users can choose to allow an app to access their location only while the app is in use, a feature that has been lauded for its balance between functionality and privacy.
There is no word from Google about this new feature, but the search engine giant should release it for Android devices. Android’s share fell this quarter, as per Kantar WorldPanel ComTech, in some European countries. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including concerns over privacy and security. By enhancing privacy controls, Google could potentially regain some of the lost market share and improve user trust.
Moreover, this change could have significant implications for app developers. They will need to be more transparent about why they are requesting certain permissions and ensure that their apps function correctly even if some permissions are denied. This could lead to a higher quality of apps on the Google Play Store, as developers will need to be more conscientious about user privacy.
In addition to the immediate benefits for users, this move could also have long-term positive effects on the Android ecosystem. Enhanced privacy controls could lead to a reduction in malicious apps that exploit unnecessary permissions, thereby improving the overall security of the platform. Users who have been hesitant to switch to Android due to privacy concerns might reconsider their stance, leading to a more diverse and engaged user base.
Source: Bloomberg
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