A new Contacts Picker in Android 17 allows users to share specific contacts with apps, rather than the entire list. This one-time access improves privacy and gives users greater control over their data.
Google introduces a Contacts Picker tool
Share specific contacts, not entire lists
Access is a one-time snapshot
Developers can specify data needed
Current system requires all-or-nothing access
Privacy model mirrors Apple’s iOS changes
Google is rolling out a new feature called Contacts Picker in Android 17 that aims to improve user privacy regarding contact sharing. With this tool, you can share just the contacts an app needs instead of full access to your entire contacts list. It’s a much-needed change because the current system forces you to either give all your contacts to an app or none at all, which isn’t ideal.
Fixing the All-or-Nothing Permission
The Contacts Picker allows you to select specific contacts to share with apps, addressing a key flaw in Android’s permissions system. Right now, apps often ask for broad access even when they only need a couple of contacts. Google’s new approach will not only give you a snapshot of information but also ensure that apps can’t track changes over time.
This new tool is similar to Apple’s Contacts Picker that was introduced in a recent iOS release. Here’s how it works.
How the Contacts Picker Works
With the Contacts Picker, selecting contacts will provide the app with detailed information like names, phone numbers, and even birthdays. Yet, this access is a one-time event—meaning apps won’t get updates if you change a contact’s info later.
I uncovered some key features from the latest developments in the app. It includes a dedicated intent action called ACTION_PICK_CONTACTS that allows developers to limit the number of contacts a user can select and specify exactly what data they need.
Challenges Ahead for Widespread Adoption
Despite these improvements, the new Contacts Picker isn’t mandatory for developers. They can still request broad access, so adoption depends on how quickly app developers incorporate this tool. Google may need to push for its use, similar to the rollout of the Photo Picker, to ensure it becomes standard for apps.
Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. L. Fischer earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.
Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society.
Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI.
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