Warning on Google’s Private Space Feature

Owned by Steven Cooper
Oct 28, 2024
4 min read

Summary:

Google is introducing a new feature, Private Space, which allows users to lock certain applications on their Android devices. However, applications placed inside the vault will not be able to function properly unless the vault is unlocked. This feature may cause disruptions for applications utilizing Validic’s Inform Mobile SDK or vendor apps for Inform cloud connections, preventing data collection for key health metrics like blood pressure, steps, blood sugar, pulse oximetry, and temperature. This KBA outlines the implications of this change and guides educating end users to avoid placing health-related applications in the private space.

 

 

Implications of Google’s Private Space Feature

The Private Space feature provides an extra layer of security by allowing users to lock specific apps behind a vault, preventing access unless explicitly unlocked. For applications that rely on continuous data collection, such as those utilizing the Validic Inform Mobile SDK or vendor apps for Inform cloud connections, placing an app in the vault could result in:

  • Block data collection for vital health measurements when the Private Space is locked (blood pressure, steps, blood sugar, pulse ox, temperature, etc.)

  • Prevent real-time syncing and monitoring of user health and activity data

  • Cause disruptions in any health-related alerts, trends, or insights that require ongoing data access

It is important to note that the vault prevents all SDK-based operations and vendor API connections unless it is actively unlocked by the user.

 

 

How This Affects Applications Using Validic's SDK or Vendor APIs for cloud connections

For any applications that rely on the Validic Inform Mobile SDK or Vendor APIs  to track and transmit health metrics, being locked in the vault will stop the collection and transmission of critical health data. This affects:

  • Blood Pressure Monitoring: Data from Bluetooth-connected devices or manual inputs will not sync.

  • Step Counting: Movement data from wearables or integrated sensors will not be updated.

  • Blood Sugar Monitoring: Glucose data will fail to transmit or store.

  • Pulse Oximetry: Oxygen saturation measurements will be interrupted.

  • Temperature Monitoring: Thermometer data will not be recorded.

Guidance for End Users

To ensure seamless functionality of their health monitoring applications, we strongly advise users not to place these applications in Private Space. Here are key points to communicate to your end users:

  1. Do Not Add Health Apps to the Vault: Advise users to avoid locking their health apps, as doing so will stop important health data from being collected and transmitted.

  2. Impact of Vaulting on Health Monitoring: Explain that their health metrics (such as blood pressure, steps, blood sugar, etc.) will not be tracked unless the private space is unlocked.

  3. Unlock the Vault Regularly (if necessary): If they must use the vault for added security, remind them to unlock the app whenever they need to track or sync health data.

 

 

Suggested Communication to End Users

Here’s a sample message you can use to inform your users about this change:

 

 

Subject: Important Notice: Ensure Proper Functionality of Your Health App

Dear [User],

We wanted to inform you of a recent feature introduced by Google called the Private Space. It is available starting with Android OS 15. This feature allows you to lock certain apps on your Android device for extra privacy and security.

However, please note that if you place [Your App Name] or any vendor apps used for connections in the marketplace in the Private Space, it will stop collecting your health data, including [blood pressure, steps, blood sugar, pulse ox, temperature, etc..], unless the vault is unlocked. To ensure you continue receiving accurate and timely health insights, we strongly recommend not placing [Your App Name] in the Private Space.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Best regards,
[Your Company Name]

 

 

Action Required for Developers

We recommend informing your customers as soon as possible to prevent any disruption in their health data tracking. Regular updates and reminders will help ensure they understand the importance of keeping their health monitoring apps outside the vault.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if a user places their health app inside the vault?
A1: If the Private Space is locked the health app will not be able to collect or sync data, and any background health monitoring or alerts will be interrupted. The user may unintentionally lock their Private Space or forget to unlock the Private Space later, which could delay or prevent data collection.

Q2: Can the app collect data when the vault is unlocked?
A2: Yes, the app can resume data collection and syncing when the vault is unlocked.

Q3: Is there a way for the app to function while in the vault?
A3: No, as long as the app is in the vault and locked, it will not be able to collect or transmit health data.

 

 

Conclusion

Google’s Private Space feature can inadvertently block the collection of critical health data for applications utilizing the Validic Inform Mobile SDK or vendor applications used for Inform cloud connections unless the user keeps the Private Space open on their phone. To ensure uninterrupted data collection and health monitoring, it is crucial to educate users on the impact of locking health applications within the private space. Please share this information with your users to maintain the proper functionality of their health apps.