new bans from google
The American company Google announced that the apps were removed recently as a concern for users’ safety, and that laws on recording calls vary by region.
This is the first time Google has blocked call recording by default on Android 9 smartphones. To circumvent this limitation, users installed third-party apps from Play Store that use Call Recording Accessibility API. But from next month it will be impossible.
However, Google’s policy is limited to third-party apps only. The call recording function on Google Pixel or Vivo and Xiaomi smartphones with a dedicated dialer will not be affected.
For example, if the dialer app is downloaded out of the box, accessibility access will not be required and therefore will not violate Google’s terms. This is because system apps can get any permissions as they are pre-checked by the device manufacturer before installation. Third-party apps do not have the same discretion and must obtain permission from the user.
If the Android app is not available on Google Play, it can be downloaded from third-party sources. However, all such apps that record phone calls will soon “turn into a pumpkin” as Google not only removes them from its store but also bans access to the accessibility API. The company did not say whether this will happen right after May 11 or after the extraordinary updates.
How to save a call
Modern smartphone manufacturers, together with Google, are trying to remove the call recording feature from their devices. Currently, the only known manufacturer that allows you to record conversations without informing the addressee is Vivo. In Russia, smartphones of a Chinese brand with a proprietary “dialer” are available, for example, V21e. This model is in no way limited in functionality, unlike the Russian “country” models represented by Xiaomi or Realme using Google “Phone”.
Now, in connection with Google’s decision, there are only two solutions left for users who want to record their phone conversations: use the built-in Phone application developed by Google or download it separately from the Play Store.
Interestingly, Google will not deprive the application of access to the accessibility API, even if it is manually installed by the user.
But Google’s “Phone” has its drawbacks – firstly, if you press the record button during a call, the robotic voice will notify the interlocutors that the call recording has started. Such a message can scare away some interlocutors and intruders.
It is important to note that you cannot start recording a call if the other party has not yet picked up the phone, the call is on hold, or a conference call is in progress. Also, not all smartphones support the recording function, even if the application from Google is built into the firmware of the device. You have to manually check compatibility by calling one of the contacts. If the function is working, there should be a corresponding button labeled “Save” on the screen.
There is another way that allows you to record calls without informing the addressee, but this is only available to some Xiaomi users. Officially presented smartphones of the company for the European and Russian markets come with a pre-installed Google Phone application, but for example, models with a special dialer from Xiaomi are sold in the Indian market. It also allows you to record conversations without informing users about it.
You can also flash a smartphone from Xiaomi to proprietary Xiaomi.EU firmware or official Indian firmware – changing the region in the settings will not be enough for this.
Xiaomi’s “Phone” application is more interesting because in addition to the absence of notifications of the interlocutor about recording the conversation, it has the ability to automatically record all calls, both incoming and outgoing.
In any case, the flashing process entails the loss of all data, so you should save all the necessary information in the cloud, computer or SD card. If you choose the XIaomi.EU firmware, it is recommended to use the Stable version and not the Weekly version.
Is it legal in Russia?
Anton Gorodetsky, partner at law firm 2b law firm, said in an interview with socialbites.ca that Russian legislation does not include a direct ban on recording telephone conversations. He also noted that recording is allowed in law enforcement practices – such recordings are often used as evidence in lawsuits, for example.
“But you also have to look at the purpose for which such a recording was made and what happens after that recording. In particular, if the recorded conversation was not used for private purposes or for the purpose of ensuring justice, or the recording was published without the consent of all participants in the interview, such actions may be considered as contrary to the legislation on personal data or, even if, Gorodetsky, it is a violation of privacy prohibited by article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the maximum The penalty can be up to 5 years in prison,” he said.
Source: Gazeta
