NZ Herald Android App wants excessive permissions

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ajobbins

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#139240 1-Feb-2014 20:53

Last night I saw that I had a pending app update for the NZ Herald app on my android.

Going into the update, NZ Herald seems to be asking for some pretty excessive access to my personal data, without any explanation about why. The update 'whats new' simply says "Bug fixes and app enhancements", with no suggestions about what 'enhancements' actually need that data for.

I'm hoping it's a simple mistake on the part of the application developers, however for a news app to request access to my contact and my browser history is fishy to say the least.

I've removed the app from my phone rather than update. I'll use their mobile website from now on until they can either remove the requirement for accessing my personal info, or give me a damn good reason why they need it and plan to protect it.

Something for other users of the app to think about anyway

Twitter: ajobbins

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#978663 1-Feb-2014 21:00

That is why I removed it

NZtechfreak

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#978669 1-Feb-2014 21:17

Jesus, just a bit intrusive. Hope you left a review to that effect before uninstalling!

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linw

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#978673 1-Feb-2014 21:26

Appalling, but they are not alone. Most apps want far too many rights for my liking.

ajobbins

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#978676 1-Feb-2014 21:29

NZtechfreak: Jesus, just a bit intrusive. Hope you left a review to that effect before uninstalling!

Sure did! And I am part way through writing an email to the privacy commissioner now.

I believe APN have failed in their privacy obligations here by being sketchy about obtaining data with no assurance it's protected.

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Batman

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#978680 1-Feb-2014 21:35

install app ops :D

ajobbins

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#978683 1-Feb-2014 21:38

joker97: install app ops :D

I'm on Android 4.4.2 - no can do (and besides the point)

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Wade

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#978696 1-Feb-2014 22:09

Hmm, will uninstall, have had wakelocks today coincidentally after this and a few other apps undated

NZtechfreak

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#978697 1-Feb-2014 22:18

Wade: Hmm, will uninstall, have had wakelocks today coincidentally after this and a few other apps undated

Wakelocks too?! I have a generally low opinion of the Herald already, but this...

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Wade

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#978703 1-Feb-2014 22:30

NZtechfreak:
Wade: Hmm, will uninstall, have had wakelocks today coincidentally after this and a few other apps undated

Wakelocks too?! I have a generally low opinion of the Herald already, but this...

I have't investigated as Better Battery stats is no longer working for me after upgrading to 4.4 (broke SU and haven't bothered to resolve) but today android battery history shows solid awake all day. More likely to be FaceBook beta app as it also updated and sounds like a more plausible result

chris021

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#978705 1-Feb-2014 22:38

I also hate how the herald mobile site is always asking for location.... it doesn't seem to actually change the content..

Coil

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#978708 1-Feb-2014 23:04

The app is terrible regardless, Uninstalled today and submitted a complaint to the herald and also on facebook like John plus privacy commissioner.

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mattwnz

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#978712 1-Feb-2014 23:13

Some of the NZ news sites are apparently putting up paywalls this year, so free access via aps will likely be coming to an end anyway. I find it a far better experience just to view the website. Most are mobile ready anyway, so the app is a bit of a waste of space. Plus it crashes so often. The privacy stuff is another issue, but I guess as long as they are asking permission. But 99% of people I think don't check the permissions, as app updates are often done in bulk.

shk292

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#978738 2-Feb-2014 08:33

I was a bit shocked by these new permissions too - uninstalled and suitable review posted

Dingbatt

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#978744 2-Feb-2014 08:51

I have gone the "App Ops" route. My reaction when the permission popup happened was no.....way. Only apps that provide a specific reason for a permission change in their "what's new" section are even considered these days, and even then I select most off using AO.
As for the Herald itself (or the peoples voice as i usually refer to it as) I am currently a subscriber, but am finding it increasingly difficult to justify. If they erect a paywall and expect me to pay extra for online content, then it will probably have the opposite effect, and I will cancel everything.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

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#978767 2-Feb-2014 09:45

I use a very old version of world newspapers (2.7.1) which was the last version that was ad free.

Videos don't work but you can stream any version (full mobile lite) of any newspaper in the world

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