Your mobile apps have the permission to spy on you

by Admin — last modified Apr 03, 2018 03:48 PM
The top applications on the Android Play store in India seek permission like access to your camera, microphone, modify contacts and download files without notifications depending on the use of the app.

The article was published in the Economic Times on March 30, 2018. Pranesh Prakash was quoted.


“What we need is, not just knowing what permissions are being sought, but why they need such permissions,” said Pranesh Prakash, policy director of the Centre for Internet and Society.

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Companies such as TrueCaller say that app developers should only be permitted to collect data that they can demonstrate as proportionate and “necessary for the stated purpose of their service”.

An Uber spokesperson said they provide users with an option to turn off certain permissions like location and phone contacts within the privacy settings on app along with explanations on what data they collect and the reason behind it. Others declined comment.