Google is Gatekeeping Nextcloud by Limiting Core Functionality

There's no dearth of self-hosted cloud platforms out there, but searching for one that's open source and reliable? The list shrinks considerably. Nextcloud is one such option that allows people to store, share, and manage their files, calendars, contacts, and various other data.

Unfortunately, they now find themselves at odds with Google, who refuses to budge on a critical issue that's been plaguing their Play Store application since September 2024.

Google's Double Standards on Display

Since last year, the Nextcloud app hasn't been able to upload non-media files like documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, etc., due to Google's restriction on file access permissions. As a result, users can only upload images and videos using the Play Store version of Nextcloud.

Following widespread complaints from users, Nextcloud raised many appeals with Google, seeking a resolution to the issues. However, despite these efforts, they received no meaningful responses or solutions from them.

They have since put up a notice (as shown above) on their Play Store app, notifying users of the file upload issue. Nextcloud understands that filing a legal case against a company like Google is unlikely to yield results, as smaller organizations like theirs can't sustain lengthy legal battles.

Commenting on the situation, Johannes Poortvliet, Communications Director at Nextcloud, stated that:

Our nearly 1M users on Android can no longer upload files because Google denied us access in name of "security". Purely a technical decision, they said. Of course, their own apps, as well as those from Microsoft, Dropbox, Box and other US tech firms are not subject to this limitation. Just a coincidence, I'm sure.

Dear European Commission, when are you going to do something to protect European businesses against this anti-competitive behavior?

Before answering, may I remind you that almost 4 years ago we filed a formal complaint about Microsoft's gatekeeping and you did nothing.

I understand Nextcloud’s frustration here. But this isn’t the first time Google has arbitrarily crippled the functionality of third-party apps it deems unworthy. In this case, it seems they’re either deliberately obstructing or are simply too incompetent to resolve the issue, neither of which reflects well on a company as massive as Google.

What to do Now?

You could bombard Google with requests to fix the issue, but unless this story blows up everywhere, the tech giant isn't likely to pay attention anytime soon.

If you are one of the people who was affected by this, Nextcloud recommends installing the F-Droid version of their app for unhindered access to all functionality. You can get the same from GitHub too.

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