Victory for Nextcloud Users!

After months of frustration, Nextcloud, the popular self-hosted cloud platform, has announced a huge win for its Android users. In a major turnaround, Google has agreed to restore full file access permissions, allowing users to upload files directly from their phones to their own servers!

This breakthrough comes after Nextcloud's persistent efforts to communicate with Google's Play Store representatives, who had previously put a stop to this essential functionality. Their recent blog post detailing these struggles caught the attention of media outlets and the tech community, prompting Google to reconsider.

What Happened?

According to Nextcloud, the app's ability to access all file types had been functioning smoothly since its launch. However, in September 2024, a sudden update from Google blocked this access and pushed the app towards a 'more privacy-aware replacement.' This left Nextcloud users in the lurch.

In a candid blog update, Nextcloud expressed frustration, stating, "To make it crystal clear: All of you as users have a worse Nextcloud Files client because Google wanted that. We understand and share your frustration, but there is nothing we can do." This transparency resonated with users tired of the gatekeeping tactics of tech giants.

A Bigger Picture

The situation echoes the struggles of other apps like iA Writer, which similarly lost crucial features due to Google's restrictions. Oliver Reichenstein, founder of iA, pointed out that Google failed to request a security review before cutting off access. He emphasized that such actions raise serious concerns under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which aims to prevent unfair practices by major corporations.

In a bid to work around the restrictions, Nextcloud offered an alternative method by allowing users to download the app from F-Droid and grant necessary permissions to regain full functionality.

What’s Next?

With Google’s reversal announced on May 15, Nextcloud is preparing a test release, with a full update expected shortly. This victory is not just a win for Nextcloud, but a hopeful sign for smaller software vendors confronting the giants of the tech industry.

As Nextcloud continues to lead the charge against tech monopolies, it serves as a reminder of the importance of user freedom and control over data. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this evolving story!