Well, we certainly didn't expect Google to ask for this data.

Some Android users have been experiencing a weird bug in their Gmail app that demands access to "Body Sensors" before allowing them to send email.

SEE ALSO:Google is banning Javascript attachments from Gmail

After trying to send an email, an error message pops up: "This app won't work properly unless you allow Google Play services' request to access the following: Body Sensors."

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Here's the deal: Google Play Services is a core Android app that provides functionality like authentication and synchronized contacts across Google apps. It can also enhance apps by speeding up offline searches and providing more immersive maps.

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Google Play Services uses the Body Sensors permission for apps like Google Fit, which tracks steps and other fitness activity. But Gmail doesn't actually use the Body Sensors permission, a Gmail community specialist said on the product forum thread.

The message is a bug that has lingered around for a while now, with the earliest user complaints dating back to 2015. Pressing "Cancel" on the pop-up does not seem to fix the issue and causes the pop-up to show up later.

Credit: screenshot

Fortunately, the company is aware of the bug and has worked on a fix.

"The permission request was the result of a bug in the Drive API within Google Play services, which has now been fixed," a representative from Google said in an email on Monday.

Until the actual fix is rolled out, you can turn off permission for individual apps in Settings > Apps > Navigate to any app > Permissions. If you're looking for an alternative to Gmail, Inbox is a newer, sleeker email client by Google.

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TopicsAndroidCybersecurityGoogle