New Google Calendar Update Blocks Third-Party Apps From Accessing Your Schedule Information

Google Calendar is introducing a new setting for Android that offers users enhanced control over how third-party apps access their calendar data. This development moves beyond the existing broader permissions often granted to Android calendar access. By adding this feature in the Google Calendar settings, users can prevent third-party applications from viewing their Google Calendar events, even if those applications possess general calendar access.

While some users have already seen this setting, the functionality, at least for now, is not working effectively; I have not been able to block data sharing with other apps. Google Calendar is a valuable tool for digital organization and scheduling. It is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with other Google applications like Gmail and Google Meet.

Users can access multiple calendars in one place, benefit from timely reminders, and share events easily. Recently, Google Calendar received an update that improved its event creation interface, presenting all sub-calendars in a carousel layout on the main event screen. This enhancement aligns with the new granular sharing controls being rolled out to Android users, a feature that was in testing as early as March.

Historically, Android has used a Calendar Provider API that centralizes data from various calendar apps installed on devices. This API permits other applications, with the necessary permissions, to add, update, or delete calendar events. The new feature effectively adds a separate permission layer specifically within Google Calendar itself.

The setting, available under Google Calendar Settings, allows users to manage whether their event data is shared with other apps accessing the Calendar Provider API. However, despite having the new toggle option, I still noticed that my Google Calendar events remained visible on Outlook, even after disabling the sharing option. Despite attempting various troubleshooting methods, my calendar events continued to appear.

I will provide updates if the feature begins to function correctly.