Google's New Contact Picker: A Game Changer for Privacy
What’s happening? Google is currently testing an innovative Contacts Picker in the latest Android 17 growth builds. As reported by Android Authority, this new feature allows users to select specific contacts to share wiht applications, rather than granting access to their entire contact list.
This revamped Contact Picker enables you to choose individual contacts and even specify which details—like phone numbers or email addresses—you wont to share. The data shared is a one-time snapshot; if you update a contact later, the app won’t automatically receive those changes.
The process resembles that of the Photo Picker: when you need to share a contact, a system screen appears where you can easily select the individuals you'd like to provide access to.
The Importance of This Update
Why does this matter? Until now, users had only two options regarding app permissions: either grant full access to all contacts or deny permission entirely. This binary choice allowed apps unnecessary data collection beyond what they actually needed.With the introduction of the new Contact Picker in Android 17, this practice will be curtailed substantially.
Developers can now request only specific fields such as phone numbers or emails. This means they cannot justify needing blanket access for birthdays or addresses when they only require one piece of information. However, it’s worth noting that while this new picker is being introduced, it won't instantly replace the old model.
A Win for User Privacy
Why should you care? If your frustrated with apps demanding your entire contact list just for one simple feature, then this change is definitely something worth celebrating.
This update reduces accidental oversharing; if an application needs just one friend’s number for messaging purposes,you'll be able to share solely that detail without exposing your whole list. Additionally, it minimizes unexpected privacy breaches as apps will no longer have automatic updates on any changes made within your contacts—meaning they can't quietly gather data from your entire list over time.
The Road Ahead
What comes next? Currently, this feature remains hidden behind a flag in Android 17 builds. However, there’s an important caveat: applications targeting older versions of Android can still utilize the previous permission model and request full access as before.Therefore, how much privacy improvement you'll experience depends on two key factors:
- If developers opt for using the new picker instead of sticking with outdated permissions;
- If Google enforces compliance with its updated Play Store policies regarding these changes.
A Broader Push Towards Enhanced Security
The introduction of features like this reflects Google's ongoing commitment towards enhancing user privacy and safety across its ecosystem. Recent updates include safer methods for sideloading apps from unverified sources and allowing users remote uninstallation capabilities for unwanted applications—all aimed at providing better control over personal data and device security.
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