Help: Submitting app based on Webex SDK to Google Play Store

[handitan]

Hi all,

We have build a simple app that's using Webex SDK to make video and/or audio calls.
We are using the following Webex API: dial, hangup, sendDTMF, setSendingAudio, getVideoRenderViews,setVideoRenderViews,setSendingVideo, and Webex OAuth apis.
Other than the Webex API, we are not using anything else to record and listen to the audio/video communications.

Now we are preparing to do app submission to the Google Play Store.
In the Google Play Store, there's the "Data Safety" section where it asked some of following questions:
-Does your app collect or share any of the required user data types? Yes/No
Resource link: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10787469?hl=en#types&zippy=%2Cdata-types
-Is all of the user data collected by your app encrypted in transit? Yes/No
Resource link: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10787469?hl=en#other&zippy=%2Cother-app-and-data-disclosures
-Do you provide a way for users to request that their data is deleted? Yes/No
Resource link: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10787469?hl=en#other&zippy=%2Cother-app-and-data-disclosures

We are not sure on how to answer this since all the communications are done using the Webex SDK.
Would anyone in the Webex SDK team be able to help on answering this question?

Also I have provided some screenshots that show different permissions that appear in on our app.
We are not that familiar with these permission but we are guessing the record audio and record video permission must be required for the Webex SDK? If this true, what're the recordings being used for?

Thank you

[dstaudt]

I can't claim I'm the final authority,  but these seem pretty clear:

• Does your app collect or share any of the required user data types? Yes

The Webex SDK certainly collects PII, including email address, messages, audio/video - this is its main function.

• Is all of the user data collected by your app encrypted in transit? Yes

The end-to-end encryption is a key feature of Webex.

• Do you provide a way for users to request that their data is deleted? Yes

Webex org data retention features puts this in the hands of the org admins.  Free account users can delete their account/data any time via settings.webex.com

[dstaudt]

Regarding the permissions dialogs:

• The H.264 license activation is expected - Cisco has a licensing agreement with the H.264 consortium, and covers any licensing costs for users of Webex/SDK.
• Video/audio 'recording' - This simply means the app can access the camera/microphone to perform its video calling functionality (the Webex service of course also provides optional cloud-based recording of calls/meetings.)
• Make and manage phone calls - Allows Webex to coordinate with the phone's calling API, primarily to detect when the phone is on a (non-Webex) call to provide sane handling (i.e. don't interrupt the call with a Webex meeting, or somehow try to conduct them both at the same time...).  It may also be used to have Webex launch a PSTN dial-in for a meeting.

[kelaash]

The activation of the H.264 license is anticipated. Cisco holds a licensing arrangement with the H.264 consortium and covers all licensing expenses for users of Webex/SDK.

Functionality related to 'recording' video and audio implies that the application can utilize the camera and microphone to carry out its video calling features (additionally, the Webex service offers the choice of recording calls/meetings in the cloud). Permission to initiate and manage phone calls enables Webex to interact with the phone's calling API.

Its primary purpose is to identify instances when the phone is engaged in a non-Webex call, ensuring appropriate handling (such as avoiding interruption of the call with a Webex meeting or attempting to run both simultaneously). This permission might also facilitate Webex in initiating a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) dial-in for a meeting.

[moeenkhaan29]

Submitting an app based on the Webex SDK to the Google Play Store involves several steps, including preparing your app, creating a developer account, configuring your app's settings, and submitting it for review. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Prepare Your App:

   • Make sure your app based on the Webex SDK is fully developed, tested, and ready for production use.
   • Ensure your app complies with all Google Play Store policies and guidelines.

2. Create a Developer Account:

   • If you don't have a Google Play Developer account, you need to create one. You'll need to pay a one-time registration fee.
   • Visit the Google Play Console and sign in with your Google account.

3. Set Up Developer Profile:

   • Complete your developer profile by providing all the required information.

4. Create a New App Listing:

   • In the Play Console, click on "Create App."
   • Choose a default language for your app.
   • Fill in the app's title, short description, full description, and other details. Be sure to include relevant information about your app's use of the Webex SDK and any permissions it requires.

5. Upload Assets:

   • Add high-quality promotional graphics, screenshots, and videos to showcase your app.

6. Pricing and Distribution:

   • Set the pricing and distribution settings for your app. You can choose to make your app free or paid and specify the countries or regions where it will be available.

7. Content Rating:

   • Complete the content rating questionnaire to determine the appropriate age rating for your app.

8. App Releases:

   • Prepare a release of your app that includes the Webex SDK integration. Ensure you have the necessary permissions and licenses to use the SDK in your app.

9. App Signing:

   • You may need to sign your app using the Play Console's built-in app signing or provide your own signing key.

10. Testing:

    • Before publishing your app, thoroughly test it on different devices and configurations to ensure it works as expected with the Webex SDK.

11. Privacy Policy:

    • If your app collects user data, you must have a privacy policy in place and provide a link to it in your app's Play Store listing.

12. Submit for Review:

    • Once you've completed all the required sections and are confident that your app is ready, click the "Submit for Review" or "Save" button. Google will review your app to ensure it meets their policies.

13. Wait for Approval:

    • The review process can take several hours to a few days. Google will notify you via email when your app is approved or if they require any changes.

14. App Publication:

    • Once approved, your app will be published on the Google Play Store and accessible to users.

15. Monitor and Update:

    • Continuously monitor your app for issues and user feedback. Make updates and improvements as necessary, especially if you encounter issues related to the Webex SDK.

Remember that this is a general guideline, and the specific steps may vary based on your app's requirements and the Webex SDK integration. Additionally, it's essential to stay updated with Google Play Store policies, as they may change over time. An important thing is that you can not upload apk games on google play store, and you can use find relevant platforms to upload APK Files. 

[kelaash]

The expected activation of the H.264 license is on the horizon. Cisco has an agreement with the H.264 consortium that covers the license costs for Webex/SDK users.

The capability to record video and audio suggests that the app can use the device's camera and microphone for its video calling functions. Furthermore, Webex provides an option to save call or meeting recordings in the cloud. The permission to start and control phone calls allows Webex to use the phone's calling API.

This feature primarily detects when the phone is on a call not related to Webex, to manage it appropriately (like preventing a Webex meeting from interrupting the call or avoiding running both at the same time). This permission could also help Webex to set up a PSTN dial-in for meetings.