Android 14 will give users the control over full-screen ads

Ads are the primary source of revenue for many businesses and organizations alike. However, in recent years, companies have started blurring the lines between acceptable ads and obtrusive full-scale banners that take the entire smartphone screen. Now, in an effort to solve this issue, Google is introducing a new feature with Android 14 that empowers users to revoke the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission, thereby curtailing the barrage of full-screen ads and notifications.

What is the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission?

As the name suggests, the permission grants apps the ability to use the entire smartphone screen to present notifications spanning both its width and height. Although this approach proves beneficial in specific scenarios, such as displaying alarms or incoming call alerts, app developers have unfortunately exploited this permission to display users with invasive full-screen popup ads.

“Full-screen intent notifications are designed for extremely high-priority notifications demanding the user’s immediate attention,” reads the blog post, announcing the decision.

Solving full-screen ads with Android 14

Now, to rectify this issue, Android 14 will give users the choice to manually deactivate this permission on an app-by-app basis. Additionally, Google will, over the next few months, refine its default policy to withhold the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission from newly installed apps, except for specific cases like essential phone dialer and alarm clock apps.

Furthermore, Android 14 will also debut a new interface dubbed “Manage full-screen intents,” which will be available in the settings menu and showcase the full list of apps that have permission. Clicking on a specific app entry will reveal a toggle labeled “Allow apps to send full-screen intents,” and users will have the option to activate or deactivate the toggle based on their convenience.

“These changes are landing at the end of 2023. This permission remains enabled for apps installed on the phone before the user updates to Android 14. Users can turn this permission on and off,” reads the blog post.