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At Google Play, we’re devoted to constructing person belief, particularly on the subject of delicate permissions and your information. We perceive that managing information and media permissions will be complicated, and customers typically fear about which information apps can entry. Since these information typically comprise delicate info like household photographs or monetary paperwork, it is essential that customers really feel in management. That’s why we’re working to supply clearer selections, so customers can confidently grant permissions with out sacrificing app performance or their privateness.
Under are a set of finest practices to contemplate for bettering person belief within the sharing of broad entry information, finally resulting in a extra profitable and sustainable app ecosystem.
Prioritize person privateness with information minimization
Constructing person belief begins with requesting solely the permissions important in your app’s core capabilities. We perceive that photographs and movies are delicate information, and broad entry will increase safety dangers. That is why Google Play now restricts READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions, permitting builders to request them solely when completely vital, sometimes for apps like photograph/video managers and galleries.
Leverage privacy-friendly options
As an alternative of requesting broad storage entry, we encourage builders to make use of the Android Photo Picker, launched in Android 13. This software affords a privacy-centric manner for customers to pick particular media information with out granting entry to their whole library. Android photograph picker supplies an intuitive interface, together with entry to cloud-backed photographs and movies, and permits for personalization to suit your app’s wants. As well as, this method picker is backported to Android 4.4, guaranteeing a constant expertise for all customers. By eliminating runtime permissions, Android photograph picker simplifies the person expertise and builds belief by means of transparency.
Construct belief by means of clear information practices
We perceive that some builders have traditionally used customized photograph pickers for tailor-made person experiences. Nonetheless, no matter whether or not you employ a customized or system picker, transparency with customers is essential. Customers wish to know why your app wants entry to their photographs and movies.
Builders ought to attempt to supply clear and concise explanations inside their apps, ideally on the level the place the permission is requested. Take the next in consideration whereas crafting your permission request mechanisms as doable finest practices pointers:
- When requesting media entry, present clear explanations inside your app. Particularly, inform customers which media your app wants (e.g., all photographs, profile photos, sharing movies) and clarify the performance that depends on it (e.g., ‘To decide on a profile image,’ ‘To share movies with pals’).
- Clearly define how person information will probably be used and guarded in your privateness insurance policies. Clarify whether or not information is saved regionally, transmitted to a server, or shared with third events. Reassure customers that their information will probably be dealt with responsibly and securely.
Find out how Snap has embraced the Android System Picker to prioritize person privateness and streamline their media choice expertise. Here is what they should say about their implementation:

“Considered one of our objectives is to supply a seamless and intuitive communication expertise whereas guaranteeing Snapchatters have management over their content material. The brand new movement of the Android Photograph Picker is the proper steadiness of offering person management of the content material they wish to share whereas guaranteeing quick communication with pals on Snapchat.”
– Marc Brown, Product Supervisor
Get began
Begin constructing a extra reliable app expertise. Discover the Android Photo Picker and implement privacy-first information practices at present.
Acknowledgement
Particular because of: