Incident #9BF561 · 30 OCT 2026minor
Google Play adds declaration rules for location, contacts, local network and storage permissions
Google Play's permissions policy now spells out developer rules that were previously only announced or covered elsewhere. Apps targeting Android 17 must use the location button for one-time location requests, and using precise location requires a Play Console declaration. Broad contacts access, the Manage Contacts permission and the new Local Network permission are restricted to core functionality. Storage access now requires a declaration. Accessibility API rules and the ban on evading Play review were largely restated rather than new, and a new AppFunctions rule bars deceiving AI agents.
Taken from you
- Developers must file Play Console declarations to use precise location, the local network permission and all-files storage access.
- Developers must ensure their AppFunctions do not deceive or manipulate AI agents, bypass security controls, or interfere with other apps.
Won back
- Apps need a Play Console declaration to use the local network permission and precise location, which limits their access to those data.
Evidence · 4 of 4 quotes matched in source
Apps targeting Android 17 (API 37+) must use the Android location button for one-time or infrequent location requests.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
The Accessibility API is prohibited from being used to bypass Android security and privacy controls, record remote call audio, or power autonomous decision-making agents.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
Attempts to manipulate Play review processes, including misleading reviewers as to the purpose and functionality of your apps, are strictly prohibited.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
Developers must ensure their AppFunctions do not deceive or manipulate AI agents, bypass security controls, or interfere with other applications.+ inserted · ✓ matched in source
Archived version ↗ · 1,054 words changed