Posted by
At Google Play, we’re devoted to constructing person belief, particularly with regards to delicate permissions and your knowledge. We perceive that managing recordsdata and media permissions could be complicated, and customers typically fear about which recordsdata apps can entry. Since these recordsdata typically 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 contemplate for bettering person belief within the sharing of broad entry recordsdata, finally resulting in a extra profitable and sustainable app ecosystem.
Prioritize person privateness with knowledge minimization
Constructing person belief begins with requesting solely the permissions important on your app’s core features. We perceive that pictures and movies are delicate knowledge, 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 needed, usually for apps like picture/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 Photograph Picker, launched in Android 13. This software provides a privacy-centric means for customers to pick out particular media recordsdata with out granting entry to their total library. Android picture picker supplies 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 person expertise and builds belief by way of transparency.
Construct belief by way of clear knowledge practices
We perceive that some builders have traditionally used customized picture pickers for tailor-made person experiences. Nevertheless, no matter whether or not you employ a customized or system picker, transparency with customers is essential. Customers need 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 potential 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 associates’).
- Clearly define how person knowledge can be used and guarded in your privateness insurance policies. Clarify whether or not knowledge is saved regionally, transmitted to a server, or shared with third events. Reassure customers that their knowledge can 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. This is what they should say about their implementation:

“One in all our objectives 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 Photograph Picker is the right steadiness of offering person management of the content material they need to share whereas making certain quick communication with associates on Snapchat.”
– Marc Brown, Product Supervisor
Get began
Begin constructing a extra reliable app expertise. Discover the Android Photograph Picker and implement privacy-first knowledge practices in the present day.
Acknowledgement
Particular due to: