Warnings Your Apk Is Using Permissions That Require A Privacy Policy: (android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE)

Question

In manifest not added android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE. permission.

Why error comes when I upload a new apk version error comes below.

Your app has an apk with version code 1 that requests the following permission(s): android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE. Apps using these permissions in an APK are required to have a privacy policy set.

I have attached a screenshot of my google play store account.

my manifest file.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    package="com.my.package.name">

    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />

    <application
        android:name=".utils.PreferenceManager"
        android:allowBackup="true"
        android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher"
        android:label="@string/app_name"
        android:largeHeap="true"
        android:supportsRtl="true"
        android:theme="@style/AppTheme">
        <activity
            android:name=".SplashScreen"
            android:screenOrientation="portrait">
            <intent-filter>
                <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />

                <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
            </intent-filter>
        </activity>

        <activity
            android:name=".MainActivity"
            android:screenOrientation="portrait" />

        <activity
            android:name=".CategoryListActivity"
            android:screenOrientation="portrait" />
        <activity
            android:name=".ImagesActivity"
            android:screenOrientation="portrait" />

    </application>

</manifest>

Answer 1

Your app's manifest.xml having these permission to access information from your's device but you don't have privacy policy link while submitting on the play store. so you getting this warning.

Need privacy policy for the app If your app handles personal or sensitive user data

Adding a privacy policy to your app's store listing helps provide transparency about how you treat sensitive user and device data.

******Update
The privacy policy setting in Google Play Console has changed locations.

In Google Play Console,
Select Store presence > App content.
Under "Privacy Policy".