Google: Number of apps that want text and phone data has fallen by 98 percent

The number of apps in the Google Play Store that request access to call history and SMS history decreased by 98 percent last year. That’s what Google claims. The apps that still request access now also need it.

Google started blocking access to text and call history in October 2018, with the exception of apps that users set as default apps for calling and texting. Developers have therefore massively removed the request for permission from their apps, Google says. The search giant does not mention exact numbers, so it is unknown how many apps no longer request that access.

The Android maker also says it has kept 790,000 apps from the Play Store that violated rules in the past year. In addition, it has pulled tens of thousands of apps from the download store or allowed developers to update the apps to increase safety for children.