Android 17 Restricts Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse

Timeline

1. 16.03.2026 07:43 1 articles · 2h ago

   Android 17 Beta 2 Restricts Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse

   Google is testing a new security feature in Android 17 Beta 2 that prevents non-accessibility apps from using the Accessibility API when Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) is enabled. This change aims to mitigate malware abuse of the API, which has been exploited to steal sensitive data. Only verified accessibility tools are exempt from this restriction. The update also introduces a new contacts picker for granular control over contact data access.

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   • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43

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Information Snippets

• Android 17 Beta 2 includes a new security feature that blocks non-accessibility apps from using the Accessibility API when AAPM is active.

  First reported: 16.03.2026 07:43
  1 source, 1 article
  Show sources

  • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43

• AAPM was introduced in Android 16 and prioritizes security by reducing functionality and usability.

  First reported: 16.03.2026 07:43
  1 source, 1 article
  Show sources

  • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43

• Verified accessibility tools, identified by the isAccessibilityTool="true" flag, are exempt from the restriction.

  First reported: 16.03.2026 07:43
  1 source, 1 article
  Show sources

  • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43

• Antivirus software, automation tools, assistants, monitoring apps, cleaners, password managers, and launchers do not qualify as accessibility tools.

  First reported: 16.03.2026 07:43
  1 source, 1 article
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  • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43

• The AccessibilityService API has been abused by malware to steal sensitive data from compromised Android devices.

  First reported: 16.03.2026 07:43
  1 source, 1 article
  Show sources

  • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43

• Android 17 also introduces a new contacts picker for more granular control over contact data access.

  First reported: 16.03.2026 07:43
  1 source, 1 article
  Show sources

  • Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse — thehackernews.com — 16.03.2026 07:43