Google gives in: Nextcloud gets back access rights for Android app
Due to a lack of access rights, only media files could be uploaded to the Nextcloud app for months. Now Nextcloud is getting the rights back from Google.
(Image: iX)
In the dispute over the Nextcloud Android app, Google has now announced that it will restore the necessary access rights. This was reported by the IT trade magazine The Register. The Nextcloud developers had previously publicly accused the US company in a forum post of deliberately withdrawing the permissions to make the Nextcloud app unusable. “With the permissions, we can restore the full functionality of file synchronization,” explained Head of Development Andy Scherzinger in the report. There will soon be a corresponding update for the Nextcloud app.
Google restricted access due to security concerns
In the forum post, the developers reported that Google had rejected an update for the Nextcloud app in September 2024. Although the app had already had extensive rights to access all file types since its first release in 2016, the US company had requested that Nextcloud restrict file access in the app. Google justified this step with security concerns and referred to “more privacy-friendly alternatives”.
Although Google does indeed offer additional options for handling files, these were insufficient to maintain the functionality of the Nextcloud app. For example, the MediaStore API enables a connection to the cloud. However, the interface only allows media files to be uploaded. However, comprehensive rights are required to synchronize other file types. Ultimately, the developers complied with Google's demands to be able to continue offering the app in the Play Store.
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Nextcloud: Google exploits market power
Meanwhile, the Nextcloud developers saw Google's approach as a pattern for taking action against competitors. The company is afraid of losing out to small players like Nextcloud and is exploiting its market power. Small companies lack the resources to defend themselves against this. However, it is unclear why Google actually revoked the rights and has now restored them. The company did not respond to an inquiry from the iX editorial team. Furthermore, Google is currently facing several antitrust proceedings in the USA, for example due to its monopoly position in the online advertising market.
(sfe)
