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Google delays crackdown on Android accessibility apps
Google LLC wanted to crack down on apps that take advantage of Android’s accessibility features for unintended purposes, but a backlash from both developers and users has made the company reconsider its stance.
The accessibility application programming interfaces allow developers to implement features that make their apps easier to use for people with disabilities, but they also give developers access to parts of the operating system that are otherwise off-limits.
A number of apps take advantage of this access to offer more powerful features that have nothing to do with accessibility. Google has been seemingly fine with this practice for several years, but the company surprised developers last month by announcing that it would be cracking down on apps that use the accessibility APIs for anything other than their intended purpose.
“Apps that fail to meet this requirement within 30 days may be removed from Google Play,” Google said in an email to developers who supposedly misuse the APIs. “Alternatively, you can remove any requests for accessibility services within your app. You can also choose to unpublish your app.”
Google also added a note on the guide for the accessibility APIs, telling developers they should be used “only for the purpose of helping users with disabilities interact with your app.”
Google’s announcement was bad news for apps such as LastPass and Tasker, which can autofill passwords and automate tasks thanks to the accessibility APIs. LastPass said last month that the crackdown would have no immediate impact on users, and it’s working with Google to come to a solution. Google seems to have listened to protests from developers and users, because the company has now delayed its crackdown while it mulls over the situation.
“We’re evaluating responsible and innovative uses of accessibility services,” Google told developers in a new email. “While we complete this evaluation, we are pausing the 30-day notice we previously contacted you about.”
Google added, “If you believe your app uses the Accessibility API for a responsible, innovative purpose that isn’t related to accessibility, please respond to this email and tell us more about how your app benefits users. This kind of feedback may be helpful to us as we complete our evaluation of accessibility services.”
While Google is taking developers’ concerns into consideration, it has only pushed back its deadline rather than halted the crackdown entirely.
Photo: Google
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