Google launches Android WebView Media Integrity API to improve the "security" of embedded video and audio content in apps

On November 6, in May this year, Google announced the Web Environment Integrity API on the developer mailing list. The API allows websites to confirm whether visitors' software and hardware "meet specific standards" and is said to bring higher security and privacy to media content embedded in the website.

However, many people believe that the Web Environment Integrity API is similar in function to DRM (digital rights management) and will affect the website user experience, so this API proposal eventually attracted widespread criticism from the community.

Google recently decided to finally abandon the Web Environment Integrity API and launched the Android WebView Media Integrity API.

▲ Image source: Google

IT Home Note: If Android platform developers want to display web-based media content in the App, they can use the WebView API. The Android WebView Media Integrity API is an extension of the WebView API. Although this API is somewhat similar to the Web Environment Integrity API in function, it is only implemented for the WebView API embedded in the App.

▲ Image source: Google

It is reported that the Android WebView Media Integrity API requires the support of Google GMS services. Developers can use this API to obtain information about the App and the device running the App to ensure that "streaming content can operate in a secure and trusted environment." However, the relevant device information will not include specific user information or the device's unique identification code, nor will it obtain the Google Play authorization status of the relevant App. It only provides a "privacy mechanism."

Google said that the API was developed to maintain a diverse media content ecosystem in Android applications, and the API is expected to begin early testing next year.