[omeletpercy]

I was scanning through my apps and noticed almost all have some form of access to contacts,location etc etc.

Speaking to my mate about it she said Google doesn't let you have the option to disable access. Her bloody iphone does!

Any one help? I don't like the idea of developers all over the world knowing virtually everything about me. Im surprised how even the most simple app has access to private things.

[Stuart_h]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omeletpercy

I was scanning through my apps and noticed almost all have some form of access to contacts,location etc etc.

Speaking to my mate about it she said Google doesn't let you have the option to disable access. Her bloody iphone does!

Any one help? I don't like the idea of developers all over the world knowing virtually everything about me. Im surprised how even the most simple app has access to private things.

erm.... it depends on the App. A new SMS app (such as Go Contacts) must have access to your contacts. Facebook needs access to your location in case you choose the Facebook location options.....

The good thing about Android is it shows you all the access each App is requesting. You see a screensaver that needs access to your contacts or ability to send SMS - avoid it.

Just think for each App whether its likely to actually need the access.

[omeletpercy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart_h

erm.... it depends on the App. A new SMS app (such as Go Contacts) must have access to your contacts. Facebook needs access to your location in case you choose the Facebook location options.....

The good thing about Android is it shows you all the access each App is requesting. You see a screensaver that needs access to your contacts or ability to send SMS - avoid it.

Just think for each App whether its likely to actually need the access.

Is there any way to disable this like the apple?? Apparently she gets a popup before install to accept or deny access to that sort if info. So far the Market just gives you the option tks download and accept or don't download and deny access.

[Stuart_h]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omeletpercy

Is there any way to disable this like the apple?? Apparently she gets a popup before install to accept or deny access to that sort if info. So far the Market just gives you the option tks download and accept or don't download and deny access.

what sort of info ??????

When you donwload the app it tells you what access you are allowing.

An SMS App cant function if you disable its access to 'ability to send SMS' or 'Contacts'....

May Apps have access to 'phone state' so that they know when a call comes in. You cant disable functionality that the App needs !!??

If you dont like the Access dont install the App......

[paulbrock]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omeletpercy

Is there any way to disable this like the apple?? Apparently she gets a popup before install to accept or deny access to that sort if info. So far the Market just gives you the option tks download and accept or don't download and deny access.

I can't speak for the Apple method but on Android it's as simple as "do you trust this app, based on who its from and what permissions its asking for"

you can't install an app but not let have it access to things it needs*. What would be the point?



*Good developers know that the list of permissions can be offputting to customers so try and minimise the list.

[grumpyoldbat]

The iPhone enables you to turn off location access after you've installed, and might ask if you want to give your info before you do, but if you say no, you can't switch it back on later, so honestly that's no different to you making a decision not to transmit your address book info before you install the app.

Just go through the permissions before you install Android apps. It's common sense to do that anyway given that Google don't put the apps through an approval process - they're trusting you to make your own best judgement.

[pi r squared]

A number of things.

Firstly, you can disable location knowledge but it's all or nothing - go in to Settings > Location & Security and then disable everything under "My Location", but obviously this will disable GPS Navigation, Maps knowing your location, etc.

Secondly,

Quote:

Originally Posted by omeletpercy

I don't like the idea of developers all over the world knowing virtually everything about me.

I assume this is hyperbole, since everything there is to know about me certainly comprises more than just my location and a few contacts! However, it is very unlikely a developer requests the location to be sent back to him/her. If an app doesn't have internet permissions, you can be very sure that it doesn't send your location back (because it can't). Just because the app knows your location doesn't mean the developer knows it or even cares.

Thirdly, check through your apps again. Are there any there that have location access but you can't see a reason why they'd need it? If so, post them here and we might be able to give you further guidance. Things like Facebook needs location to enable the "check in"; any app like, say, TripAdvisor needs it to see where you are to enable "what's around you"; browsers sometimes request it to enable localised results. Any others you're suspicious about just post them here.

[omeletpercy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pi r squared

A number of things.

Firstly, you can disable location knowledge but it's all or nothing - go in to Settings > Location & Security and then disable everything under "My Location", but obviously this will disable GPS Navigation, Maps knowing your location, etc.

Secondly,
I assume this is hyperbole, since everything there is to know about me certainly comprises more than just my location and a few contacts! However, it is very unlikely a developer requests the location to be sent back to him/her. If an app doesn't have internet permissions, you can be very sure that it doesn't send your location back (because it can't). Just because the app knows your location doesn't mean the developer knows it or even cares.

Thirdly, check through your apps again. Are there any there that have location access but you can't see a reason why they'd need it? If so, post them here and we might be able to give you further guidance. Things like Facebook needs location to enable the "check in"; any app like, say, TripAdvisor needs it to see where you are to enable "what's around you"; browsers sometimes request it to enable localised results. Any others you're suspicious about just post them here.

Trouble is take Angry Birds. Why does if want access to location Phone status and ID? Its a game!?

[Stuart_h]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omeletpercy

Trouble is take Angry Birds. Why does if want access to location Phone status and ID? Its a game!?

phone status - so that they can make the game stop/pause if a call comes in or you switch apps (multi-tasking)

location - as adverts are tailored. adverts mean the game is free (unlike the iphone version)

ID - im guessing its something again to do with adverts and clicks.

[paulbrock]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omeletpercy

Trouble is take Angry Birds. Why does if want access to location Phone status and ID? Its a game!?

here ya go.
http://www.androidcentral.com/rovio-...seasons-update

[Dai13371]

If you have a rooted phone, try Pdroid.

Take a look at XDA Devv forums first, you can go there from the above link.

[johnnybgoode83]

I'm more concerned by apps using something called Airpush. This allows apps to push adverts to your notification bar and they are usually of an adult nature.

As far as privacy is concerned, in the online world there is no such thing.

[alanwarwic]

Don't install any APP that needs access to contacts if it is not necessary.

Like the iPhone I'm sure APPS will also be stealing your contacts.