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At Google Play, we’re devoted to constructing consumer belief, particularly on the subject of delicate permissions and your information. We perceive that managing information and media permissions might be complicated, and customers usually fear about which information apps can entry. Since these information usually include delicate data like household pictures or monetary paperwork, it is essential that customers really feel in management. That’s why we’re working to supply clearer decisions, so customers can confidently grant permissions with out sacrificing app performance or their privateness.
Under are a set of greatest practices to think about for bettering consumer belief within the sharing of broad entry information, finally resulting in a extra profitable and sustainable app ecosystem.
Prioritize consumer privateness with information minimization
Constructing consumer belief begins with requesting solely the permissions important to your app’s core capabilities. We perceive that pictures 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 mandatory, sometimes for apps like picture/video managers and galleries.
Leverage privacy-friendly options
As a substitute of requesting broad storage entry, we encourage builders to make use of the Android Picture Picker, launched in Android 13. This software presents a privacy-centric method for customers to pick out particular media information with out granting entry to their complete library. Android picture picker offers an intuitive interface, together with entry to cloud-backed pictures and movies, and permits for personalisation to suit your app’s wants. As well as, this technique picker is backported to Android 4.4, making certain a constant expertise for all customers. By eliminating runtime permissions, Android picture picker simplifies the consumer expertise and builds belief via transparency.
Construct belief via clear information practices
We perceive that some builders have traditionally used customized picture pickers for tailor-made consumer 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 pictures and movies.
Builders ought to try 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 greatest practices pointers:
- When requesting media entry, present clear explanations inside your app. Particularly, inform customers which media your app wants (e.g., all pictures, profile photos, sharing movies) and clarify the performance that depends on it (e.g., ‘To decide on a profile image,’ ‘To share movies with mates’).
- Clearly define how consumer information shall be used and guarded in your privateness insurance policies. Clarify whether or not information is saved domestically, transmitted to a server, or shared with third events. Reassure customers that their information shall be dealt with responsibly and securely.
Learn the way Snap has embraced the Android System Picker to prioritize consumer privateness and streamline their media choice expertise. Here is what they must say about their implementation:

“Considered one of our targets is to supply a seamless and intuitive communication expertise whereas making certain Snapchatters have management over their content material. The brand new circulation of the Android Picture Picker is the right stability of offering consumer management of the content material they wish to share whereas making certain quick communication with mates on Snapchat.”
– Marc Brown, Product Supervisor
Get began
Begin constructing a extra reliable app expertise. Discover the Android Picture Picker and implement privacy-first information practices right now.
Acknowledgement
Particular because of: