Google is restricting personal loan apps on its Play Store from accessing user's photos, contacts, and other sensitive data

 

Google is restricting personal loan apps on its Play Store from accessing user's photos, contacts, and other sensitive data.   The policy change, which takes effect on May 31, targets debt collectors who have use that data to harass borrowers. Google says the restriction will cover a user's contacts, call logs, location, photos, and videos. It applies to apps that offer direct loans, as well as lead generators and apps that connect users with third-party lenders. Many reports said harassment from debt collectors is very high in the markets of India, Pakistan, Kenya, and the Philippines, where Google has made additional requirements for personal loan apps, such as requiring them to get proof of approval from the government. In 2019, Google banned some loan apps it considered predatory for offering short-term loans at extremely high interest rates. In the U.S., for example, it bars apps from its Play Store that offer loans at an APR of 36% or higher.