Google Play requires flexible app permission control

Julian has been researching Android mobile application permissions on the Google Play Store, and has noticed that quite a few apps are now looking to review what permissions their apps have access too. One particular Android app was Flixster on Google Play which now no longer requires permission to read contacts or text messages. Reading some of the comments on this app, it appears some users are congratulating Flixster for removing these permissions. Julian agrees with this too, but this still got him wondering.

Why do apps continue to access data they actually don’t require to run? Accessing your contact book gives app developers full access to emails and telephone numbers. This is not only useful for spamming but also for renting the data to marketing and 3rd parties. Julian is seriously concerned with apps accessing your contact and calendar and your call logs for example – this is your personal private domain. Read more...