European software vendor Nextcloud has raised serious concerns regarding Google’s treatment of its Android Files application, which boasts a user base exceeding 800,000. The crux of the issue revolves around the “All files access” permission, a critical requirement for applications that need comprehensive access to files on a device. While many apps can operate effectively using Google’s more privacy-conscious alternatives, such as the Storage Access Framework (SAF) or the MediaStore API, Nextcloud’s application necessitates broader permissions.
Permission Revocation and Its Implications
Nextcloud’s Android Files app, designed for file synchronization, has historically enjoyed the privilege of reading and writing all file types since its launch in 2016. The company asserts that it had never encountered any security concerns from Google regarding this feature until 2024, when the Play Store unexpectedly revoked the permission, significantly impairing the app’s functionality. Nextcloud was subsequently advised to adopt a “more privacy-aware replacement.”
According to Nextcloud, the SAF is not a viable substitute, as it is intended for sharing files with other applications, while the MediaStore API is limited to media files only. Efforts to engage Google on this matter have yielded little more than generic responses from the developer guide, with Nextcloud lamenting, “Despite multiple appeals from our side and sharing additional background, Google is not considering reinstating upload for all files.”
Challenges in the App Store Ecosystem
The complications appear to originate from the Play Store’s stringent policies. Although a fully functional version of the app remains accessible on F-Droid, the version on Google Play is hindered by imposed restrictions. Google’s developer documentation explicitly states that targeting Android 11 with a declaration for All files access can jeopardize an app’s ability to be published or updated on the Play Store.
Nextcloud’s frustration is palpable, as the company perceives this situation as part of a broader trend aimed at stifling competition. “This might look like a small technical detail but it is clearly part of a pattern of actions to fight the competition,” they remarked, drawing parallels with past allegations against Microsoft regarding the WordPerfect word processor and the scrutiny faced by Apple and Meta for their competitive practices.
Regulatory Concerns and Industry Dynamics
In 2021, Nextcloud, alongside other firms, lodged a complaint with the EU regarding alleged anti-competitive behavior by Microsoft. “We are now four years in, and nothing has happened,” the company noted, questioning the fate of a business that has not released updates for an extended period.
Nextcloud poses a critical question: Are there malicious forces at work, or is this merely a case of bureaucratic inefficiency? “Either way,” they stated, “it results in companies like ours just giving up, reducing functionality just to avoid getting kicked out of their app store.” The company further criticized the sluggish oversight processes, which, despite imposing hefty fines, often feel more like mere slaps on the wrist.
Nextcloud believes that larger tech entities are apprehensive about the potential disruption posed by smaller players. “Big Tech is scared that small players like Nextcloud will disrupt them, like they once disrupted other companies. So they try to shut the door,” they concluded, emphasizing the challenges faced by smaller companies in navigating this complex landscape.
With an installed audience of 824,000 on Android, Nextcloud’s users have actively engaged with the app in the last 30 days, underscoring the significant impact of these developments. Despite repeated inquiries from The Register, Google has yet to provide a comment on the situation.
