New READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO Android policy

[mvl22]

Updated policy notified to us:

Last October, we introduced the Photo and Video Permissions policy to reduce the number of apps permitted to request broad photo/video permissions (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO). To give developers more time to adopt these changes, we are extending the deadlines. Starting January 22, 2025, apps may only access photos and videos for purposes directly related to app functionality. Apps that need additional time may request extensions until May 28, 2025. Apps that have a one-time or infrequent need to access these files are requested to use a system picker, such as the Android photo picker. See Details on Google Play's Photo and Video Permissions policy.

Are we using a 'system picker'?

[jezhiggins]

Yes, we are. We use the system provided facilities for both taking new photos, and picking an existing photo.

[mvl22]

We have again got a message about this:

In October 2023, we announced the Photo and Video Permissions policy to  
enhance user privacy by limiting the number of apps with access to broad  
photo and video permissions (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO).  
Starting January 22, 2025, your app must comply with this policy.

[ACTION REQUIRED] To ensure your app remains available on Google Play, you  
must take one of the following actions before January 22, 2025:



Declare your app's need for broad access: If your app's core functionality  
requires broad access to photos and videos, you can submit a declaration  
for review in Play Console. We will evaluate your request to determine if  
your use case is approved.
Remove the READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions from your  
app: If your app only needs occasional access to photos and videos, remove  
the READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions from all version  
codes within the submission. This includes both production and testing  
tracks. You can migrate to a system photo picker, which allows users to  
selectively grant access to specific media on a one-time or infrequent  
basis.
Request an extension: If you need more time to comply and have not yet  
completed the declaration, you can request an extension in Play Console  
until May 28, 2025. This will give you additional time to implement one of  
the above options. The extension request form takes approximately one  
minute to complete. For more information on how to extend, please refer to  
this guidance.
We strongly recommend taking action as soon as possible to avoid any  
disruption to your app's availability on Google Play.

For more information about the Photo and Video Permissions policy, please  
refer to this Help Center article.

[mvl22]

Remove the READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions from your
app

I note that we still do have READ_MEDIA_IMAGES listed:

https://github.com/search?q=repo%3Acyclestreets%2Fandroid%20READ_MEDIA_IMAGES&type=code

@jezhiggins Are these a problem?