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nzgeek
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  #952132 14-Dec-2013 12:39
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Privacy controls are one of the reasons I like using custom ROMs. For example, CyanogenMod contains a privacy manager where you can disable access to certain items like accessing contacts or SMS messages. I used it recently on a Twitter update that wanted permissions that had nothing to do with tweets. I've also disabled location access for a couple of apps that use it only for advertising.

OmniROM, a new multi-phone firmware that's still in the early stages, also plans on adding a firewall so you can disable network connectivity for certain apps.

But yes, it is frustrating that Google haven't had this functionality as a baked-in part of Android. It should be a security layer in front of the various APIs: if you don't have access, you get returned dummy data (no contacts, no SMS messages, unknown location, etc).



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  #952135 14-Dec-2013 12:43
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Some apps do list the permissions they require and the reason they need them. They're not always obvious, but when explained they usually make sense.

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  #952144 14-Dec-2013 13:17
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Like a torch light needing to read my sms? Hmm ...



timmmay
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  #952145 14-Dec-2013 13:21
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Yeah some are obviously unnecessary.

jeffnz
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  #952150 14-Dec-2013 13:34
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I also query the access sometimes but then again I restrict ads have locations turned off until I need it.

Besides Microsoft and all the other have been collecting information for years why so paranoid now thast we actually see it being gathered.




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  #952152 14-Dec-2013 13:46
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So Apple is handing over collected data to the NSA, I think that means they are collecting it regardless of how and when they use it, why collect it.

Microsoft even says its collecting personnel data and says it won't give it out, unless of course the US Government asks for it (oversimplified I know)


is any of this new or are we just more aware of it




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Klipspringer
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  #952153 14-Dec-2013 13:47
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Buy an iphone then

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  #952174 14-Dec-2013 14:07
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I can't control apple google and microsoft but i don't want a torch app to read my sms. I hope that's reasonable. I found a torch app that doesn't need access to anything, so that's cool, but there is only one angry birds and no one elses makes angry birds for example.

crimson
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  #952218 14-Dec-2013 16:24
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joker97: Like a torch light needing to read my sms? Hmm ...


From what I have seen in other apps, it probably has a 'share with your friends' button where you can easily send them SMS (or whatever else they want to hook into) to tell them how great this app is!

Obviously creating the function to do so means opening up access to the address book and the ability to send SMS.
I can't think of a way it could work outside the app so you could share without the permissions (and not be a bad user experience). 

It could become more common as the social/sharing aspect is pushed to the limits. I suppose any part of the app you don't want is unnecessary along with the permissions it requires. The difference here is that these 'features' have potential security issues. 

freitasm
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  #952220 14-Dec-2013 16:33
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insane:
macuser: RIP 1080P


That's what you get for being a good contributor to this forum. Guess he won't be subscribing in future.



You read him calling mods stupid right? You didn't read the PMs. He's getting lightly at just one week away. If you feel so badly that people should be allowed to call other people names then this is not the place.





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timmmay
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  #952232 14-Dec-2013 17:12
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freitasm: You read him calling mods stupid right? You didn't read the PMs. He's getting lightly at just one week away. If you feel so badly that people should be allowed to call other people names then this is not the place.


Slight distinction there, he called their decision to disable quoting the first post stupid, at no point can I see anywhere he inferred a person was stupid. Big difference. I do stupid things fairly regularly, but overall I'm not stupid.

 
 
 
 

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  #952233 14-Dec-2013 17:14
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Read again "if mods want to be stupid" sounds pretty bad to me.

In any case, there's one BDFL here and the mods left this one ball on my side of the court and I dealt with it.




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  #952234 14-Dec-2013 17:18
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Pretty sure my interpretation is correct, but it's your forum, of course you should do what you think best.

What does BDFL stand for?

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  #952236 14-Dec-2013 17:24
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toyonut
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  #952254 14-Dec-2013 18:44
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joker97: Like a torch light needing to read my sms? Hmm ...


Not the brightest flashlight app per chance?
http://gizmodo.com/popular-android-flashlight-app-straight-up-lied-about-s-1477916270

It has been selling user data that users granted it access to. Apparently it is still on the play store too.
Certainly makes the case for a better managed app store to my mind. They must have not tested the app very much at all. Makes you wonder how many more apps are doing the same thing.





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