Google plans to block applications that provide individual loan services from accessing sensitive data of users like photographs, videos, and contacts in a move that comes as Android maker ramps up their response in the wake of increasing incidence of who make borrowers feel apprehensive.
The search giant announced the update of its policy on Personal Loans policies on Wednesday on applications on the Play Store to bring new restrictions on apps’ access to external storage, videos, photos contact information, exact location as well as call logs. The new policy will take effect on May 31.
“Apps that provide personal loans, or have the primary purpose of facilitating access to personal loans (i.e., lead generators or facilitators), are prohibited from accessing sensitive data, such as photos and contacts,” the company declared in its announcement.
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According to accounts from recent times, the trend is gaining momentum and has been a source of concern for some individuals who have obtained credit through mobile applications and have faced harassment by debt collectors. The recovery agents have obtained the borrower’s personal contact lists, and have informed relatives and friends of the outstanding debts. In extreme instances, the agents have employed manipulative images to further depress and intimidate people who are in debt. Tragically, some targeted people have given in to pressure and ended their lives.
These incidents were widely reported in the markets of India in Kenya. Google first was able to respond by removing and eventually individual loan applications from the Play Store following being notified by police agencies as well as central banks. Google also announced regulations to prohibit non-licensed loan applications out of their Android application store.
