google: Why we don’t need only Google but Xiaomi, OnePlus and Samsung, others to ‘ban’ call recording

Google today made a change to its developer policies which comes as bad news for call recording apps. According to multiple online reports, starting May 11, apps will not be allowed to use Accessibility API to record calls. What this means is that any third-party apps that are recording calls will not be able to do so. While it might seem a big move, the truth is Android phones continue to have native call recording feature, something that Google can’t stop. In fact, even Google’s own Pixel phones have the feature.

Call recording without consent is dangerous

It’s not really something that should be explained but yes if your calls are being recorded without your consent, then it is dangerous. Imagine you are having a conversation with someone totally oblivious to the fact that the person on the other end might be recording it.
Be it any Android phone — and we checked a whole lot of them — and the call recording feature exists. Take the Samsung Galaxy A12, a budget smartphone, and it too has call recording. Realme C25, Oppo K10, OnePlus — every Android phone has the call recording feature. If your calls are being recorded without your permission then it’s a blatant invasion of your privacy.
An argument can be made by certain businesses that they do want to record calls for future reference or as the many customer care centres will tell you “for future training and reference purpose”. But here’s the difference: you are being told that the call is being recorded and it is something you very well know. But a call with a stranger or acquaintance or a professional contact? If that’s being recorded without your consent, then it’s actually dangerous.
There are countries — almost all of Europe — where recording any phone call is illegal. There’s a reason why Xiaomi’s phones in Europe do not support call recording but here in India, they do.

Google’s move to ban call recording apps is barely a start

On Google’s part, it’s a step in the right direction to ban third-party apps that record calls. But it’s barely a start. Apple doesn’t give any call recording support natively. However, there are workarounds — third-party apps — that do allow one to record calls on WhatsApp. Perhaps it’s time for Apple as well to ban third-party recording apps from the App Store in certain countries.
One can’t really ‘blame’ brands to give the call recording feature. They will automatically turn around and say that the feature is there and it’s up to the users to get into the morality or legality of the issue. Whether call recording is right or wrong, a brand won’t really take a stand on it, will they? Having said that, there could be something they can do. For instance, if a call is being recorded, then perhaps a feature that allows the other person to know through a notification or a beep to confirm that.
A person should know that his or her call is being recorded. There’s really only black and white here and not any shades of grey — which is what the native call recording feature does, it gives the users to option to venture into the ‘dangerous’ area of recording calls without consent.