The restrictions that Google applies to applications that are looking for space in the store are designed to increase safety, but sometimes it derives from collateral damage. As happens to NextCloud: this open source application to manage files A key function was blocked To be in conflict with a Google decision. And had to explain the situation to users.
With the successive versions of Android, Google has introduced safety improvements while diversifying the system access permits. With the arrival of Android 13 access to separate user files so that applications They could only see the category according to their use: Images, video or audio. What if you need to access all files? Google, we have a problem.
How to protect your Android against viruses and malware: tips and advice
The permits are not always the same for everyone
NewCloud warning message when opening the Android application. Image of NextCloud
Restricating access according to the use of the application, of the multimedia files in force, it is logical: it is much more difficult than malicious applications have access to private data. The problem is that there is software based on access to the list of photos, images, documents and the rest of the storage. This is the case of NextCloud.
The company had to reduce the features of its Android application in Play Store because, according to developers NextCloud, Google refused to give them the access license to all the application files. It is known as “managing external storage”, it is a delicate option because it allows applications Access everything that the user has recorded on the phone. Google vetoed this access to Google Play policies. And any developer who downloads an application to the store and has access to all assets, sees the publication canceled.
Although the restriction can be based because, as we have commented on, it is an extremely delicate and Google permit approves it manually, in practice, it gives a measure to measure that The company does not apply to the same thingIn particular for the software that can be downloaded from outside the game (Epic Games has a long story of problems with Google due to Fortnite).
NextCloud is a free code application that had not had any problems at the Play Store before 2024, when Google canceled updates. As much as they tried to speak to the company exposing the problem, of NextCloud They assure that they were not taken into account. In the end, they had to specify in the application the situation with the download of files and recommend download from standards specialized in open source software. And NextCloud is not the only open source application that had problems that made Google applications: K-9 Mail is another example.
The fact that Google authorizes a developer to use the authorization “Access of manager storage” It's almost impossibleEven if they use the company and demonstrate that its request does not imply risk. But the same does not happen with Google itself: as we have checked our Android, applications such as files include a high risk permit. Because it is already known: at the Maison du Forgeron …
More security yes, exceptions with guarantees too
The permit in question. Google files have it
NextCloud needs the files to be supported in the user's cloud Without worrying about doing it manuallyThis is a function that is available on iOS and which was also on Android until recently. If the developer is reliable, the application does not imply a risk and the code can be verified (NextCloud is open source), Google should not apply such a restrictive policy without something more margin for the call. Especially when he gives clear treatment of favor to his own applications.
If you are one of those who use NextCloud in Android and have problems with backing up your files from the latest update, it is best to download the application as APK file. From the company github or F-Droid.
Cover image | GPT-4O in the Chatppt
In Xataka Android | Android 16 is the most advanced operating system of safety. This new wave of functions demonstrates this
