Google just introduced a new Play store policy that will block third-party call recording apps from the Play Store by May 11th. Currently, these apps use the Accessibility API to gain access to the audio functions on Android devices. The policy states that apps with the core functionality intended to support people with disabilities are eligible to use the Accessibility API tool. “Apps not eligible for IsAccessibilityTool may not use the flag and must meet prominent disclosure and consent requirements. The Accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording. “

Google has consistently been trying to eliminate call recording on Android devices due to a lot of privacy concerns people have. It was blocked on Android 6 and the use of the microphone for call recording was eliminated on Android 10 the last resort for call recording apps was to use the Accessibility API, which apps will now no longer be able to access, so it’s the end then.

Google addressed this issue and a webinar video said that remote context refers to call audio recording where the person on the other end is unaware of the recording that is taking place. They also went on to say that dialer apps like Google Phone and me dialer with native call recording functionality will be unaffected by the change, and they will still be able to record calls. If the app is the default dialer on the phone and also preloaded accessibility capability will not be required to get access to the incoming audio stream and will not be in violation. So basically this is a very big barrier for 3rd party recording apps. [And they won’t ever be able to get through it]