iOS 14 gives users the ability to control which photos they would like to share with apps, even when they request blanket permissions. @googlephotos specifically detects this and locks the user out until they give full access. I am surprised and outraged that this shipped.
I didn’t even know the API to detect this even *existed* before I noticed Google Photos using it (it’s developer.apple.com/documentation/…). It’s so easy to abuse that I can’t comprehend how it was added alongside the other photos changes, which were designed to be transparent to apps.
Perhaps the designers felt that @AppStore Review would catch misuse; Google is certainly violating section 5.1.1 clause (iv):
“Apps must respect the user’s permission settings and not attempt to manipulate, trick, or force people to consent to unnecessary data access…Where possible, provide alternative solutions for users who don’t grant consent.”
But they didn’t, and now instead of respecting the user’s choice the app forces the user to share everything or pound sand. Somehow we got three levels of failures (four of you count the mobile website directing you to the app) instead of “ok, you can view pictures at least”.
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