Android 13 launched its first official beta a few days ago. This version, which you can now install on your compatible mobile; comes with some changes from the developer preview that was previously released. This time it seems Google has taken app permissions seriously… maybe too much.
It seems that Android 13 won’t let you grant permissions to certain apps it deems ‘abusive’. In this way, certain types of apps will not be able to access the information on our mobile, even if we are willing to give it to them.
Until now, Android’s limits on app permissions were pretty precarious. In fact, in some previous versions we see how certain permissions are grouped into categories; instead of offering more specific control for each thing. Well, it seems that from Mountain View the batteries have been put on, and now Android 13 offers an extra barrier to make it difficult for third parties to access to our private information.
This restriction, yes, applies to apps that we install outside of the Play Store. The above is because, although the Google app store is a fairly safe place; many services or websites ask their users to install APKs from sources outside the official method. Thus, it is much simpler than cybercriminals or malicious companies take advantage of the lack of shields of security.
This is not a total restriction, so you can get around this feature of Android 13
Of course, Android will not entirely prohibit permissions to these types of applications. In case you are looking to modify them for a specific application, you can do it. The good thing is that Android 13 create a safer environment for those users who have no idea how app permissions work on your mobile.
If you want to grant permissions to applications that you have installed by methods other than the Play Store, you only have to activate one option. Is about ‘Allow restricted settings‘, a function that will allow you to grant or deny permissions to this type of apps and services.
To activate it, you just have to go to the information menu of each application and activate the option mentioned above. Done, now you will have more freedom, although at the cost of less security.
A new stage for Google
Fortunately, it seems that Google is taking this section seriously. The best thing is that, in the process, it is not taking away freedoms to its users.
Let’s remember that many malware attacks reach our mobile through this type of app. Any malicious application installed on the smartphone can access the data and information of our account, and we could be seriously affected in this case.