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Android 17 Beta 2 Tests Blocking Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility Services in Advanced Protection Mode

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Summary

Android 17 Beta 2 tests an Advanced Protection Mode restriction that blocks non-accessibility apps from using AccessibilityService and revokes existing permissions while the mode is active. Google also introduced an API for apps to detect the mode.

Key points

  • When Advanced Protection Mode is active, Android 17 Beta 2 blocks non-accessibility apps from using the AccessibilityService API and revokes their existing permissions.
  • Apps marked with isAccessibilityTool="true"—including screen readers and Braille-based tools—are exempt.
  • Google says the restriction aims to limit abuse of AccessibilityService, which has been used to steal sensitive data from compromised Android devices.
  • AdvancedProtectionManager lets apps detect Advanced Protection Mode and adapt their security posture or restrict high-risk features.
  • Other Advanced Protection Mode measures include blocking installs from unknown sources, restricting USB data signaling, and requiring Google Play Protect scans.
  • Android 17 adds a contacts picker that lets apps request selected contact fields or let users choose specific contacts.

Article Details

Event Type
Android security feature update
Impact
In Android 17 Beta 2, Android Advanced Protection Mode blocks apps not designated as accessibility tools from using the AccessibilityService API. It automatically revokes existing permissions while the mode is active and prevents users from granting them until the mode is turned off, reducing opportunities to abuse the API to steal sensitive data from compromised devices. Verified accessibility tools are exempt. Android 17 also introduces a contacts picker that gives apps access only to selected contact fields or contacts.

Vendors

GoogleGoogle is testing a change in Android Advanced Protection Mode in Android 17 Beta 2 that prevents non-accessibility apps from using the AccessibilityService API, automatically revoking existing permissions while AAPM is

Products

Android 17Google is testing a change in Android Advanced Protection Mode in Android 17 Beta 2 that prevents non-accessibility apps from using the AccessibilityService API, automatically revoking existing permissions while AAPM isAndroid Advanced Protection ModeGoogle is testing a change in Android Advanced Protection Mode in Android 17 Beta 2 that prevents non-accessibility apps from using the AccessibilityService API, automatically revoking existing permissions while AAPM is

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