Google has announced several key policy changes for Android application developers that will increase the security of users, Google Play, and the apps offered by the service.

Google says that’s because “malware often targets older API levels to bypass security and privacy protections introduced in newer Android versions.” ...

Every new version of Android comes with a new API level, which changes how the app framework functions, adding new features, new restrictions, and new security measures.

This just applies to new apps. However, from November, existing apps on Android will also need to target an API level within two years of the latest OS release, a level of 31 or higher.

The policy goes that if a user grants certain permissions for an app that targets Android 11 (API level 30) or later but then does not use the app for a few months, those permissions will be ...

In an attempt to reduce fragmentation of its Android OS, Google is requiring developers of new and updated apps to comply with its most recent APIs.

Now with Android 11, the crackdown continues as the Android team adds even more non-public APIs to the restricted list.