Google Warns of Microsoft SwiftKey Losing Access to Gmail on July 15

Google is sending out warnings to Microsoft SwiftKey users that the keyboard will no longer be able to access the data in Google Accounts, including Gmail content, starting on July 15th.

In an email, Google is telling SwiftKey users who have integrated the keyboard replacement with Gmail that the integration will no longer work on July 15th, 2019, unless SwiftKey complies with Google's updated data policies.

Google email about SwiftKey (Source: Twitter)

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Read More 1 min. storyWhen users install SwiftKey, they can personalize the keyboard by integrating it into email accounts such as Gmail. When integrating in other services, though, the app requests various permissions in how they can access the content in this service.

When it comes to SwiftKey's Gmail integration, the app asks for sweeping permissions that include the ability to "View, manage, and permanently delete your mail in Gmail", "Create, update, and delete labels", and Compose and send new email" as shown below.

Requested Gmail Permission (Source: RedditReddit)

Under Google's new data policies, developers are required to only request permissions that they absolutely need. This is to prevent apps and sites from invading a user's privacy.

"Don't request access to information that you don't need. Only request access to the minimal, technically feasible scope of access that is necessary to implement existing features or services in your application, and limit access to the minimum amount of data needed. Don't attempt to "future proof" your access to user data by requesting access to information that might benefit services or features that have not yet been implemented."

The updated policies also require apps that interact with Gmail may also require further permissions from Google.

It is not known what specific data policies SwiftKey is violating, but BleepingComputer has contacted Google for more information and will update this article when we hear back.

The full text of the email from Google can be read below:

Hi,

Although you don't need to do anything, we wanted to let you know that the following apps may no longer be able to access some data in your Google Account, including your Gmail content. If these apps are unable to meet the deadline to comply with our updated data policy requirements, they'll lose access to your Account starting July 15th, 2019.

SwiftKey Account

We are making this change as part of ongoing efforts to make sure your data is protected and private.

You can always view, manage and remove apps you've given access to your account by visiting your Google Account.

Thanks,
The Google Accounts team