In a recent development that has sparked optimism among users, Google has made the decision to reinstate the permissions previously revoked from Nextcloud’s Files app for Android. This move is poised to restore the app’s full file syncing capabilities, much to the relief of its user base.
Nextcloud’s Journey Back to Functionality
Andy Schertzinger, Director of Engineering at Nextcloud, shared insights with The Register, stating, “Google has decided to restore the permissions to our Android app so we can bring back the full file syncing functionality.” This announcement comes as Nextcloud prepares to roll out an update to the app in the near future, a development that Schertzinger attributes to the unwavering support of the broader community.
The challenges faced by Nextcloud stemmed from a decision made in late 2024, when Google revoked the app’s “All files access” permission on Android devices. This permission, which allows applications extensive access to files on a device, is a sensitive subject for Google, which has been advocating for more privacy-conscious alternatives like the Storage Access Framework (SAF).
For a file synchronization application like Nextcloud, however, the “All files access” permission was essential. It had been granted for several years until its abrupt withdrawal left the app significantly impaired in the Play Store. Despite numerous attempts to seek clarification from Google, the company seemed unresponsive to Nextcloud’s inquiries.
Earlier this week, Nextcloud publicly addressed its difficulties, and in an unexpected turn of events, Google offered to restore the permissions it had previously rescinded. In an industry often criticized for anti-competitive behavior, this action from Google suggests that there are still individuals within the organization who are willing to reconsider decisions when necessary.
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the initial revocation—whether it was the result of an automated process gone awry or an overly stringent review. As of now, a response from Google on this matter is still pending.
For the time being, this development raises hopes that tech giants are beginning to pay closer attention to the needs of their users. However, for those anticipating a slowdown in the relentless push for AI technologies, it may be prudent to temper expectations.
