A teardown of the latest Google Phone App version 59 (performed by XDA-Developers) has revealed that Google might include a new feature that will allow the app to automatically record incoming calls from unknown numbers.
The recording will work by informing both parties through a voice message stating that the call is being recorded. And then proceed to record the call without the need to manually enable call recording. The call recording feature has already been introduced in the app that only works with Pixel devices and selects Nokia and Xiaomi phones as of now and it has to be manually turned on.
However, Google does point out that all participants of the call will get an alert that the call is being recorded, even if their number is not saved on your phone. Here is the disclaimer in the source code of the app reads says:
You or the other person in your call might be somewhere that requires everyone to consent to be recorded. Everyone will be notified ahead of time that the call is being recorded. It’s up to you to follow laws about recording conversations. Recordings are stored only on your phone.
Google Phone app prepares to record all calls w/ numbers you don't have saved https://t.co/1pymVQSuB5 by @nexusben pic.twitter.com/Z5LubSKolX
— 9to5Google (@9to5Google) January 8, 2021
It must be noted that just because the feature has been found in the source code, it is not necessary that the feature will actually be introduced by Google anytime soon. Google itself has also not acknowledged the presence of such a feature.
