Google has said it will remove Android apps that seek unjustified access to the device owners call and text message logs.
The company is requiring apps that request this highly personal information from users’ devices must fill in a permissions declarations form to explain why, or revoke the permissions in a new version of the app.
Developers that fail to do either will be removed from the Play Store automatically, as will those who fail to provide sufficient reasoning.
The news comes from Paul Bankhead, who is the director of product management at Google, who points out that many apps, such as diallers or messaging tools, require such access as part of their basic functionality.
