Photo Picker API

AppWizard
October 18, 2024
Google is tightening access to the full media library on Android devices for app developers, urging them to use the more privacy-conscious Android Photo Picker. The Photo Picker API allows apps to access specific photos or videos without needing permission for the entire media gallery. Starting in early 2025, only apps with core functionalities related to media will be granted permissions to access the entire media library. Google has begun enforcing this policy, with a crackdown on non-compliant apps starting September 18, 2024. Developers must justify their need for full access by October 31, 2024, through a declaration form. Private and enterprise management applications are exempt from this policy.
AppWizard
October 18, 2024
Google Play is enhancing user privacy with the introduction of the Photo Picker API, which debuted with Android 13. This feature allows users to selectively share images with applications instead of granting full access to their photo and video libraries. Google plans to enforce stricter guidelines for developers to ensure that only apps that genuinely need full gallery access can obtain it. The Photo Picker API currently lacks a search function and does not display local albums, making it challenging to locate older images. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the Pixel 9 transmitting data to Google without explicit user consent, including location and network status updates every 15 minutes. Google has stated that user security and privacy are top priorities for Pixel.
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