The call recording option comes as an in-built tool for most android device models like Tecno, Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi. However, the rest of the android models rely on third-party applications to access the same functionality.
These third-party call recording apps can either be installed from Google Playstore or sideloaded from other sources. All Android call recording apps will stop working immediately after 11 May 2022. This will be a result of new Google play store policies that will take effect starting on 11 May.
Google Play Policy changes
One of the major Play Store policy changes aims at eliminating hundreds of call recording apps present in Google Playstore.
The new policy targets developers using accessibility API for their call recording apps to function. Google says that the accessibility API is not designed and cannot be requested for remote call audio recording.
This does not come as a surprise since Google started removing call recording APIs with Android 10 citing privacy and security reasons. The security and privacy concerns raised by the company were justified in as much as call recording laws differ from country to country. Despite Google blocking it, developers started using a loophole to keep their call recording apps working.
They were using accessibility API in their apps to enable users to grant accessibility permission to third-party tools. Google has clarified the new policies in their latest developer seminar held recently.
Using accessibility API will no longer be possible after this change. However, the policy only affects third-party call recording apps. The native call recording feature will work as usual it will not be affected. If your smartphone has a built-in call recording option, you can continue using it.
