Answer Line: Creepy permissions for Android apps

January 24, 2013

Sdlmd downloaded an Android app that wanted access to Contacts, even though it had no legitimate reason to check on friends and relatives. What can be done? [Email your tech questions to answer@pcworld.com or post them on the PCW Answer Line forum.] As protection against malware, adware, and just plain arrogant software that thinks it owns your phone, Android requires apps to announce what they may access and change. For instance, an app must tell you if it might access your contacts or track your location. The app provides this information at installation, when a list of so-called permissions pops up before you make the final install-or-not-install decision. Click for larger image But installing an Android app is an all-or-nothing choice. If you object to what an app wants to do, and you're not willing to root your phone, your only other option is to not install the app. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2025055/answer-line-creepy-permissions-for-android-apps.html