El access to user location by Android applications It is a central issue in today's digital privacy. With the evolution of Android and Google Play's policy, permission management has become more sophisticated to protect personal data and user security. New Google Play policies, coupled with the advancement of Android since recent versions, impose strict controls and transparency on how and when an app can access your location, especially when it is done in background.
Why is background location so important for apps and users?
Applications, whether of navigation, exercise, transportation or personalized services, have grown in complexity and usefulness. However, many of their key functions depend on the access to real-time locationFor some, knowing where the user is is crucial even when the app isn't open in the foreground, for example:
- Navigation and mapping apps that guide you through routes even when the screen is off.
- Exercise apps that monitor outdoor physical activities.
- Emergency alert and transportation systems that require exact positioning to dispatch help or coordinate services.
This background access, although useful, involves significant privacy risks If not managed securely and transparently, it allows an app to track the user without constant supervision.
Before and after: How location permission control has evolved on Android
In previous versions of Android, granting location permission meant that an app could access this data at any time, both in the foreground and background, with virtually no restrictions. This situation led to the abusive use of location data by numerous apps, many of them without a clear functional justification.
With the arrival of Android 10 A first major change was introduced: the user could choose whether to grant location access:
- Only while the app is in use (in the foreground).
- At all times (including in the background).
- Never.
However, granting permission "at all times" was left to the user's discretion, and many accepted this option out of convenience or ignorance.
To enhance privacy, the latest versions of Android even allow permissions temporary or “one-time”, so the app can only access your location until you close it, asking for permission again the next time. Additionally, Google Play implemented a system of review and approval for any app that requests location access in the background.
Google Play Policy: Obtain permission to access background location
At present, No app can request background location access without going through Google Play's filter.This means that both new apps and updates to existing ones must justify to Google why they need this sensitive permission.
When is access justified? Background location access is only allowed when:
- La main function of the application depends on this access to be able to offer its service or value to the user.
- The user experience would be severely limited or not possible without background access.
Examples of typically justified applications:
- Sports route apps that track activity even when your phone is locked.
- Transportation or emergency services that require constant location.
In contrast, e-commerce, gaming, entertainment, or social media applications generally cannot legally justify this access unless it is unequivocally linked to their primary function and the user explicitly expects it.
Questions that Google requires to be answered to allow access
The review process includes clearly answering questions such as:
- Does the feature provide clear and significant value to the user?
- Do users expect the app to access their location in the background?
- Is it essential for the main purpose of the app?
- Would it be possible to offer the same experience without that access?
Based on the responses and documentation provided, Google decides whether the app can remain on the Play Store. If this is not justified, the app will be banned. deleted or rejected until it complies with the regulations.
How does the application and review process work?
To get the background location access permission, the Developers must make a formal declaration on the Google Play Console, detailing:
- El fundamental objective of the app and the function that requires such access.
- A justified description of why the primary function cannot be achieved without this permission.
- Un demo video showing how the feature is used and how the user is informed about access to their location.
- Clear and accessible privacy policy for users, both on the Play Store listing and within the app itself.
- Un featured notice in the app, explaining how location data is collected, used, stored or shared.
In addition, privacy policies should be reviewed and updated, ensuring they are easily accessible and accurately reflect how user location data is handled.
Types of location permits and their differences
Android distinguishes between different location permissions:
- Approximate location: Allows the app to know the user's position within an area of about 3 km2It is less precise and is often used for general services, such as showing nearby restaurants or traffic conditions.
- precise location: Provides the exact location of the device, necessary for navigation, emergencies and functions where precision is crucial.
- Foreground location: Access is only allowed while the app is open and visible.
- Background location: Allows access even when the app is not active or the user is not actively using it.
As a user, you can choose to grant or deny these permissions, and on many devices, you can change them at any time from your system settings.
How do I know which apps have access to my location in the background?
You can view and modify location permissions for each app by following these steps:
- Open your Android settings and go to “Location.”
- In the section of App location permissions, you'll see all the apps that can use your device's location.
- You can categorize them by: “Permanently allowed,” “Only during use,” “Always ask,” and “Do not allow.”
- For each app, you can choose the type of access you allow.
Good practices and recommendations for the user
Proper management of location permissions is essential to protecting your privacy. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Periodically check which apps have access to your location and modify the permissions if you don't consider it necessary.
- Be wary of apps that request location in the background without a clear justification.
- Prefer apps that allow you to use their features without requiring constant location access., especially if it is not critical to your purpose.
- Always read the notices and privacy policy before authorizing sensitive permissions.
- Remember that you can always revoke permissions from your Android phone's settings..
What an app must meet to obtain permission according to Google Play
Just justifying access is not enough: Google also reviews other technical and legal aspects, such as:
- Use permission only to provide value to the user, never for non-essential ads or analytics.
- That apps aimed at children comply with the family policy.
- That all required documentation is present and easy for the user to locate.
- That the minimum level of access necessary is used (for example, approximate location when a precise location is not essential).
- That the third-party SDKs and libraries used also comply with the Google Play permissions policy.
Documentation and steps that the developer must follow to comply with the regulations
To obtain approval, the developer must submit:
- Permit Declaration Form available on the Play Console.
- Demo video of the location-based feature that justifies background access.
- Featured notice in the app explaining the use, collection and processing of location data.
- Privacy policy updated, published both on the Play Store page and in the application itself, specifically detailing the use and protection of location data.
Google reviews all materials and may request clarification or reject the app if it detects inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or non-compliance with the documentation.
How changes in recent versions of Android affect
New versions of Android, beyond the Play Store policy, add additional features that reinforce security:
- Single or temporary permits, for occasional use.
- Notifications reminding the user that an app is accessing their location in the background.
- Limitations to prevent applications from being able to covertly activate access without user intervention.
In addition, the system itself offers reminders to periodically review the active permissions in installed apps.
Foreground vs. Background Location Access: Essential Differences
Access to location foreground This only happens when the app is open and visible. Apps should prefer this type of access, as it's more transparent and controllable for the user.
Access in background This means that the app can continue to track location even when not in use, which is potentially invasive and therefore subject to stricter regulation.
The Android system differentiates these cases and, with justified exceptions, recommends developers limit functions that require background location to those that are absolutely necessary.
Do you want to know what permissions you have activated on your phone?
You can view and modify location permissions for each app by following these steps:
- Open your Android settings and go to “Location.”
- In the section of App location permissions, you'll see all the apps that can use your device's location.
- You can categorize them by: “Permanently allowed,” “Only during use,” “Always ask,” and “Do not allow.”
- For each app, you can choose the type of access you allow.
Good practices and recommendations for the user
Proper management of location permissions is essential to protecting your privacy. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Periodically check which apps have access to your location and modify the permissions if you don't consider it necessary.
- Be wary of apps that request location in the background without a clear justification.
- Prefer apps that allow you to use their features without requiring constant location access., especially if it is not critical to your purpose.
- Always read the notices and privacy policy before authorizing sensitive permissions.
- Remember that you can always revoke permissions from your Android phone's settings..
What an app must meet to obtain permission according to Google Play
Just justifying access is not enough: Google also reviews other technical and legal aspects, such as:
- Use permission only to provide value to the user, never for non-essential ads or analytics.
- That apps aimed at children comply with the family policy.
- That all required documentation is present and easy for the user to locate.
- That the minimum level of access necessary is used (for example, approximate location when a precise location is not essential).
- That the third-party SDKs and libraries used also comply with the Google Play permissions policy.
Documentation and steps that the developer must follow to comply with the regulations
To obtain approval, the developer must submit:
- Permit Declaration Form available on the Play Console.
- Demo video of the location-based feature that justifies background access.
- Featured notice in the app explaining the use, collection and processing of location data.
- Privacy policy updated, published both on the Play Store page and in the application itself, specifically detailing the use and protection of location data.
Google reviews all materials and may request clarification or reject the app if it detects inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or non-compliance with the documentation.
How changes in recent versions of Android affect
New versions of Android, beyond the Play Store policy, add additional features that reinforce security:
- Single or temporary permits, for occasional use.
- Notifications reminding the user that an app is accessing their location in the background.
- Limitations to prevent applications from being able to covertly activate access without user intervention.
In addition, the system itself offers reminders to periodically review the active permissions in installed apps.
Foreground vs. Background Location Access: Essential Differences
Access to location foreground This only happens when the app is open and visible. Apps should prefer this type of access, as it's more transparent and controllable for the user.
Access in background This means that the app can continue to track location even when not in use, which is potentially invasive and therefore subject to stricter regulation.
The Android system differentiates these cases and, with justified exceptions, recommends developers limit functions that require background location to those that are absolutely necessary.
Do you want to know what permissions you have activated on your phone?
You can view and modify location permissions for each app by following these steps:
- Open your Android settings and go to “Location.”
- In the section of App location permissions, you'll see all the apps that can use your device's location.
- You can categorize them by: “Permanently allowed,” “Only during use,” “Always ask,” and “Do not allow.”
- For each app, you can choose the type of access you allow.
Good practices and recommendations for the user
Proper management of location permissions is essential to protecting your privacy. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Periodically check which apps have access to your location and modify the permissions if you don't consider it necessary.
- Be wary of apps that request location in the background without a clear justification.
- Prefer apps that allow you to use their features without requiring constant location access., especially if it is not critical to your purpose.
- Always read the notices and privacy policy before authorizing sensitive permissions.
- Remember that you can always revoke permissions from your Android phone's settings..
What an app must meet to obtain permission according to Google Play
Just justifying access is not enough: Google also reviews other technical and legal aspects, such as:
- Use permission only to provide value to the user, never for non-essential ads or analytics.
- That apps aimed at children comply with the family policy.
- That all required documentation is present and easy for the user to locate.
- That the minimum level of access necessary is used (for example, approximate location when a precise location is not essential).
- That the third-party SDKs and libraries used also comply with the Google Play permissions policy.
Documentation and steps that the developer must follow to comply with the regulations
To obtain approval, the developer must submit:
- Permit Declaration Form available on the Play Console.
- Demo video of the location-based feature that justifies background access.
- Featured notice in the app explaining the use, collection and processing of location data.
- Privacy policy updated, published both on the Play Store page and in the application itself, specifically detailing the use and protection of location data.
Google reviews all materials and may request clarification or reject the app if it detects inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or non-compliance with the documentation.
How changes in recent versions of Android affect
New versions of Android, beyond the Play Store policy, add additional features that reinforce security:
- Single or temporary permits, for occasional use.
- Notifications reminding the user that an app is accessing their location in the background.
- Limitations to prevent applications from being able to covertly activate access without user intervention.
In addition, the system itself offers reminders to periodically review the active permissions in installed apps.
Foreground vs. Background Location Access: Essential Differences
Access to location foreground This only happens when the app is open and visible. Apps should prefer this type of access, as it's more transparent and controllable for the user.
Access in background This means that the app can continue to track location even when not in use, which is potentially invasive and therefore subject to stricter regulation.
The Android system differentiates these cases and, with justified exceptions, recommends developers limit functions that require background location to those that are absolutely necessary.
Do you want to know what permissions you have activated on your phone?
You can view and modify location permissions for each app by following these steps:
- Open your Android settings and go to “Location.”
- In the section of App location permissions, you'll see all the apps that can use your device's location.
- You can categorize them by: “Permanently allowed,” “Only during use,” “Always ask,” and “Do not allow.”
- For each app, you can choose the type of access you allow.
Good practices and recommendations for the user
Proper management of location permissions is essential to protecting your privacy. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Periodically check which apps have access to your location and modify the permissions if you don't consider it necessary.
- Be wary of apps that request location in the background without a clear justification.
- Prefer apps that allow you to use their features without requiring constant location access., especially if it is not critical to your purpose.
- Always read the notices and privacy policy before authorizing sensitive permissions.
- Remember that you can always revoke permissions from your Android phone's settings..
What an app must meet to obtain permission according to Google Play
Just justifying access is not enough: Google also reviews other technical and legal aspects, such as:
- Use permission only to provide value to the user, never for non-essential ads or analytics.
- That apps aimed at children comply with the family policy.
- That all required documentation is present and easy for the user to locate.
- That the minimum level of access necessary is used (for example, approximate location when a precise location is not essential).
- That the third-party SDKs and libraries used also comply with the Google Play permissions policy.
Documentation and steps that the developer must follow to comply with the regulations
To obtain approval, the developer must submit:
- Permit Declaration Form available on the Play Console.
- Demo video of the location-based feature that justifies background access.
- Featured notice in the app explaining the use, collection and processing of location data.
- Privacy policy updated, published both on the Play Store page and in the application itself, specifically detailing the use and protection of location data.
Google reviews all materials and may request clarification or reject the app if it detects inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or non-compliance with the documentation.
How changes in recent versions of Android affect
New versions of Android, beyond the Play Store policy, add additional features that reinforce security:
- Single or temporary permits, for occasional use.
- Notifications reminding the user that an app is accessing their location in the background.
- Limitations to prevent applications from being able to covertly activate access without user intervention.
In addition, the system itself offers reminders to periodically review the active permissions in installed apps.
Foreground vs. Background Location Access: Essential Differences
Access to location foreground This only happens when the app is open and visible. Apps should prefer this type of access, as it's more transparent and controllable for the user.
Access in background This means that the app can continue to track location even when not in use, which is potentially invasive and therefore subject to stricter regulation.
The Android system differentiates these cases and, with justified exceptions, recommends developers limit functions that require background location to those that are absolutely necessary.
Do you want to know what permissions you have activated on your phone?
You can view and modify location permissions for each app by following these steps:
- Open your Android settings and go to “Location.”
- In the section of App location permissions, you'll see all the apps that can use your device's location.
- You can categorize them by: “Permanently allowed,” “Only during use,” “Always ask,” and “Do not allow.”
- For each app, you can choose the type of access you allow.
Good practices and recommendations for the user
Proper management of location permissions is essential to protecting your privacy. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Periodically check which apps have access to your location and modify the permissions if you don't consider it necessary.
- Be wary of apps that request location in the background without a clear justification.
- Prefer apps that allow you to use their features without requiring constant location access., especially if it is not critical to your purpose.
- Always read the notices and privacy policy before authorizing sensitive permissions.
- Remember that you can always revoke permissions from your Android phone's settings..
What an app must meet to obtain permission according to Google Play
Just justifying access is not enough: Google also reviews other technical and legal aspects, such as:
- Use permission only to provide value to the user, never for non-essential ads or analytics.
- That apps aimed at children comply with the family policy.
- That all required documentation is present and easy for the user to locate.
- That the minimum level of access necessary is used (for example, approximate location when a precise location is not essential).
- That the third-party SDKs and libraries used also comply with the Google Play permissions policy.
Documentation and steps that the developer must follow to comply with the regulations
To obtain approval, the developer must submit:
- Permit Declaration Form available on the Play Console.
- Demo video of the location-based feature that justifies background access.
- Featured notice in the app explaining the use, collection and processing of location data.
- Privacy policy updated, published both on the Play Store page and in the application itself, specifically detailing the use and protection of location data.
Google reviews all materials and may request clarification or reject the app if it detects inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or non-compliance with the documentation.
How changes in recent versions of Android affect
New versions of Android, beyond the Play Store policy, add additional features that reinforce security:
- Single or temporary permits, for occasional use.
- Notifications reminding the user that an app is accessing their location in the background.
- Limitations to prevent applications from being able to covertly activate access without user intervention.
In addition, the system itself offers reminders to periodically review the active permissions in installed apps.
Foreground vs. Background Location Access: Essential Differences
Access to location foreground This only happens when the app is open and visible. Apps should prefer this type of access, as it's more transparent and controllable for the user.
Access in background This means that the app can continue to track location even when not in use, which is potentially invasive and therefore subject to stricter regulation.
The Android system differentiates these cases and, with justified exceptions, recommends developers limit functions that require background location to those that are absolutely necessary.
Do you want to know what permissions you have activated on your phone?
You can view and modify location permissions for each app by following these steps:
- Open your Android settings and go to “Location.”
- In the section of App location permissions, you'll see all the apps that can use your device's location.
- You can categorize them by: “Permanently allowed,” “Only during use,” “Always ask,” and “Do not allow.”
- For each app, you can choose the type of access you allow.
Good practices and recommendations for the user
Proper management of location permissions is essential to protecting your privacy. Here are some practical guidelines:
- Periodically check which apps have access to your location and modify the permissions if you don't consider it necessary.
- Be wary of apps that request location in the background without a clear justification.
- Prefer apps that allow you to use their features without requiring constant location access., especially if it is not critical to your purpose.
- Always read the notices and privacy policy before authorizing sensitive permissions.
- Remember that you can always revoke permissions from your Android phone's settings..
What an app must meet to obtain permission according to Google Play
Just justifying access is not enough: Google also reviews other technical and legal aspects, such as:
- Use permission only to provide value to the user, never for non-essential ads or analytics.
- That apps aimed at children comply with the family policy.
- That all required documentation is present and easy for the user to locate.
- That the minimum level of access necessary is used (for example, approximate location when a precise location is not essential).
- That the third-party SDKs and libraries used also comply with the Google Play permissions policy.
Documentation and steps that the developer must follow to comply with the regulations
To obtain approval, the developer must submit:
- Permit Declaration Form available on the Play Console.
- Demo video of the location-based feature that justifies background access.
- Featured notice in the app explaining the use, collection and processing of location data.
- Privacy policy updated, published both on the Play Store page and in the application itself, specifically detailing the use and protection of location data.
Google reviews all materials and may request clarification or reject the app if it detects inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or non-compliance with the documentation.
How changes in recent versions of Android affect
New versions of Android, beyond the Play Store policy, add additional features that reinforce security:
- Single or temporary permits, for occasional use.
- Notifications reminding the user that an app is accessing their location in the background.
- Limitations to prevent applications from being able to covertly activate access without user intervention.
In addition, the system itself offers reminders to periodically review the active permissions in installed apps.
Foreground vs. Background Location Access: Essential Differences
Access to location foreground This only happens when the app is open and visible. Apps should prefer this type of access, as it's more transparent and controllable for the user.
Access in background This means that the app can continue to track location even when not in use, which is potentially invasive and therefore subject to stricter regulation.
The Android system differentiates these cases and, with justified exceptions, recommends developers limit functions that require background location to those that are absolutely necessary.
