Funny how some posters are denying that this is screwed up.... Facebook intentionally is hiding accessing contacts and getting numbers with out permission. No that is not a problem... It is ok... While they are at it why dont they try to access all your pass codes to banks and all. Android is not secure and Facebook took advantage of that and the enduser is compromised! On the other hand they were not able to pull that off on ios .... If u dont see the difference.. ..... Well as the say " there is no cure for ....."
I'm tired of companies trying to get off when caught by claiming they have "deleted the information from its servers" because I bet dollars to donuts ALL that information is still contained in every single database backup they've made, and when those backups get restored or reused to populate a bid-data server for analysis, all that data that they have "deleted" is right there.
They're not "equally guilty." Android is far MORE guilty.
… ..e fact that iOS hasn't always been 100% perfect doesn't change that it's far better. That's like saying a vitamin tablet is equally as bad for you as a poison pill, because someone once choked on a vitamin tablet.
For instance: Facebook couldn't do this on iOS.
Really? Did you write code for Facebook for Android that you speak with such authority? If yes then...
Really? You're citing Gizmodo as a reliable source? They've had a massive chip on their shoulder ever since the iPhone 4 incident. They bash Apple at the drop of hat. Not saying it may not be happening with iOS too, but Gizmodo's not what I would call impartial and objective.
I'm seriously concerned about the emerging information economy. The longer practices like this are in place the more they are normalised, and and it becomes increasingly difficult to claw back. Currently we have software demanding carte blanch access to user information, even information that is not relevant to the provision of the service.
If companies exist to create profit we can't expect them to be more ethical than the framework we set for them. Regardless of whether they want t, in order to remain competitive they have to play this game. The responsibility to legislate a minimum acceptable standard falls to us.
The only thing software should demand from a user in order to function is a cash fee. It has no right to hold us to ransom over a real name, contact information or anything else (if the user declines).
Facebook intentionally is hiding accessing contacts and getting numbers with out permission.
They're not hiding it. Here's the list of permissions that you are presented with and have to allow the FB app in order to install it. BTW, a list this long is relatively unheard of for an android app.
Permissions
This application has access to the following:
Your accounts
create accounts and set passwords
Allows the app to use the account authenticator capabilities of the AccountManager, including creating accounts and getting and setting their passwords.
add or remove accounts
Allows the app to perform operations like adding and removing accounts, and deleting their password.
Your location
approximate location (network-based)
Allows the app to get your approximate location. This location is derived by location services using network location sources such as cell towers and Wi-Fi. These location services must be turned on and available to your device for the app to use them. Apps may use this to determine approximately where you are.
precise location (GPS and network-based)
Allows the app to get your precise location using the Global Positioning System (GPS) or network location sources such as cell towers and Wi-Fi. These location services must be turned on and available to your device for the app to use them. Apps may use this to determine where you are, and may consume additional battery power.
Network communication
full network access
Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.
Phone calls
directly call phone numbers
Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.
read phone status and identity
Allows the app to access the phone features of the device. This permission allows the app to determine the phone number and device IDs, whether a call is active, and the remote number connected by a call.
Storage
modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Allows the app to write to the USB storage.
System tools
install shortcuts
Allows an app to add shortcuts without user intervention.
read battery statistics
Allows an application to read the current low-level battery use data. May allow the application to find out detailed information about which apps you use.
Your applications information
retrieve running apps
Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. This may allow the app to discover information about which applications are used on the device.
Camera
take pictures and videos
Allows the app to take pictures and videos with the camera. This permission allows the app to use the camera at any time without your confirmation.
Other Application UI
draw over other apps
Allows the app to draw on top of other applications or parts of the user interface. They may interfere with your use of the interface in any application, or change what you think you are seeing in other applications.
Microphone
record audio
record audio
Your social information
write call log
Allows the app to modify your device's call log, including data about incoming and outgoing calls. Malicious apps may use this to erase or modify your call log.
read your contacts
Allows the app to read data about your contacts stored on your device, including the frequency with which you've called, emailed, or communicated in other ways with specific individuals. This permission allows apps to save your contact data, and malicious apps may share contact data without your knowledge.
modify your contacts
Allows the app to modify the data about your contacts stored on your device, including the frequency with which you've called, emailed, or communicated in other ways with specific contacts. This permission allows apps to delete contact data.
read call log
Allows the app to read your device's call log, including data about incoming and outgoing calls. This permission allows apps to save your call log data, and malicious apps may share call log data without your knowledge.
Your accounts
find accounts on the device
Allows the app to get the list of accounts known by the device. This may include any accounts created by applications you have installed.
Network communication
view Wi-Fi connections
Allows the app to view information about Wi-Fi networking, such as whether Wi-Fi is enabled and name of connected Wi-Fi devices.
view network connections
Allows the app to view information about network connections such as which networks exist and are connected.
receive data from Internet
Allows apps to accept cloud to device messages sent by the app's service. Using this service will incur data usage. Malicious apps could cause excess data usage.
download files without notification
Allows the app to download files through the download manager without any notification being shown to the user.
System tools
test access to protected storage
Allows the app to test a permission for USB storage that will be available on future devices.
read Home settings and shortcuts
Allows the app to read the settings and shortcuts in Home.
Affects Battery
prevent device from sleeping
Allows the app to prevent the device from going to sleep.
control vibration
Allows the app to control the vibrator.
Your applications information
run at startup
Allows the app to have itself started as soon as the system has finished booting. This can make it take longer to start the device and allow the app to slow down the overall device by always running.
reorder running apps
Allows the app to move tasks to the foreground and background. The app may do this without your input.
Audio Settings
change your audio settings
Allows the app to modify global audio settings such as volume and which speaker is used for output.
Sync Settings
toggle sync on and off
Allows an app to modify the sync settings for an account. For example, this can be used to enable sync of the People app with an account.
read sync settings
Allows the app to read the sync settings for an account. For example, this can determine whether the People app is synced with an account.
They're not hiding it. Here's the list of permissions that you are presented with and have to allow the FB app in order to install it. BTW, a list this long is relatively unheard of for an android app.
[snip]
I don't use FB, and have no interest in doing so. But can someone, anyone explain to me why 90% of this stuff would be necessary for a FB app?
Mostly agree, except for the solution (which I also agree with in principle, but…).
You could just not install the FB app for Android. Or any others like it. Not much left to do with Android after that I'm guessing, but hey...
I just log into FB through Chrome. The permissions required are clearly listed before the app is installed. Not all developers are this invasive, and there's a plethora of apps which are much more privacy friendly. So, I guess your guess is not very accurate.
I don't use FB, and have no interest in doing so. But can someone, anyone explain to me why 90% of this stuff would be necessary for a FB app?
It's not necessary, FB just wants user data and knows that there's a lot of dumb people out there that will not pay attention to the massive list of required permissions. As evidenced by the few responses here, it is clear though that many of us know better and actively avoid these invasive apps.
It's not necessary, FB just wants user data and knows that there's a lot of dumb people out there that will not pay attention to the massive list of required permissions. As evidenced by the few responses here, it is clear though that many of us know better and actively avoid these invasive apps.
Basically what I thought, but wanted to know if I missed anything. Heh.
I use a permission manager that I can choose what an app can and can't have access to. Google should bake it into Android to avoid this sort of problems. It'll also fix some malware problems.
Comments
Facebook intentionally is hiding accessing contacts and getting numbers with out permission.
No that is not a problem... It is ok... While they are at it why dont they try to access all your pass codes to banks and all.
Android is not secure and Facebook took advantage of that and the enduser is compromised!
On the other hand they were not able to pull that off on ios ....
If u dont see the difference.. ..... Well as the say " there is no cure for ....."
Quote:
Originally Post by ktappe
So how's that open platform thing workin' out for ya?
Read post #6 and stop trollling.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nagromme
They're not "equally guilty." Android is far MORE guilty.
… ..e fact that iOS hasn't always been 100% perfect doesn't change that it's far better. That's like saying a vitamin tablet is equally as bad for you as a poison pill, because someone once choked on a vitamin tablet.
For instance: Facebook couldn't do this on iOS.
Really? Did you write code for Facebook for Android that you speak with such authority? If yes then...
Quote:
Originally Posted by gregord
Pagers? Was this article written in 1993?
FYI: Pagers were huge as late as 1999.
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrzejls
Really? Did you write code for Facebook for Android that you speak with such authority? If yes then...
Go read the APIs differences between the models. I'll take iOS any day of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yojlance
07
Funny how some posters are denying that this is screwed up....
Facebook intentionally is hiding accessing contacts and getting numbers with out permission.
No that is not a problem... It is ok... While they are at it why dont they try to access all your pass codes to banks and all.
Android is not secure and Facebook took advantage of that and the enduser is compromised!
On the other hand they were not able to pull that off on ios ....
If u dont see the difference.. ..... Well as the say " there is no cure for ....."
I guess you failed to check out link in post #15. Please do your homework before you shut yourself in the foot, will you?
Quote:
Originally Posted by os2baba
http://gizmodo.com/5885321/how-iphone-apps-steal-your-contact-data-and-why-you-cant-stop-it
Enjoy having this link completely ignored by the "outraged" icabal. Such information can not penetrate the Apple bubble-sphere.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdriftmeyer
Go read the APIs differences between the models. I'll take iOS any day of the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdriftmeyer
Go read the APIs differences between the models. I'll take iOS any day of the week.
So am I, but you did not address question on hand, did you?
Really? You're citing Gizmodo as a reliable source? They've had a massive chip on their shoulder ever since the iPhone 4 incident. They bash Apple at the drop of hat. Not saying it may not be happening with iOS too, but Gizmodo's not what I would call impartial and objective.
I'm seriously concerned about the emerging information economy. The longer practices like this are in place the more they are normalised, and and it becomes increasingly difficult to claw back. Currently we have software demanding carte blanch access to user information, even information that is not relevant to the provision of the service.
If companies exist to create profit we can't expect them to be more ethical than the framework we set for them. Regardless of whether they want t, in order to remain competitive they have to play this game. The responsibility to legislate a minimum acceptable standard falls to us.
The only thing software should demand from a user in order to function is a cash fee. It has no right to hold us to ransom over a real name, contact information or anything else (if the user declines).
Quote:
Originally Posted by nagromme
That's like saying a vitamin tablet is equally as bad for you as a poison pill, because someone once choked on a vitamin tablet.
"All substances are poisons. There is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy."
Paracelsus: 1493 - 1541
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yojimbo007
Facebook intentionally is hiding accessing contacts and getting numbers with out permission.
They're not hiding it. Here's the list of permissions that you are presented with and have to allow the FB app in order to install it. BTW, a list this long is relatively unheard of for an android app.
Permissions
This application has access to the following:
Your accounts
create accounts and set passwords
Allows the app to use the account authenticator capabilities of the AccountManager, including creating accounts and getting and setting their passwords.
add or remove accounts
Allows the app to perform operations like adding and removing accounts, and deleting their password.
Your location
approximate location (network-based)
Allows the app to get your approximate location. This location is derived by location services using network location sources such as cell towers and Wi-Fi. These location services must be turned on and available to your device for the app to use them. Apps may use this to determine approximately where you are.
precise location (GPS and network-based)
Allows the app to get your precise location using the Global Positioning System (GPS) or network location sources such as cell towers and Wi-Fi. These location services must be turned on and available to your device for the app to use them. Apps may use this to determine where you are, and may consume additional battery power.
Network communication
full network access
Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.
Phone calls
directly call phone numbers
Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.
read phone status and identity
Allows the app to access the phone features of the device. This permission allows the app to determine the phone number and device IDs, whether a call is active, and the remote number connected by a call.
Storage
modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Allows the app to write to the USB storage.
System tools
install shortcuts
Allows an app to add shortcuts without user intervention.
read battery statistics
Allows an application to read the current low-level battery use data. May allow the application to find out detailed information about which apps you use.
Your applications information
retrieve running apps
Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. This may allow the app to discover information about which applications are used on the device.
Camera
take pictures and videos
Allows the app to take pictures and videos with the camera. This permission allows the app to use the camera at any time without your confirmation.
Other Application UI
draw over other apps
Allows the app to draw on top of other applications or parts of the user interface. They may interfere with your use of the interface in any application, or change what you think you are seeing in other applications.
Microphone
record audio
record audio
Your social information
write call log
Allows the app to modify your device's call log, including data about incoming and outgoing calls. Malicious apps may use this to erase or modify your call log.
read your contacts
Allows the app to read data about your contacts stored on your device, including the frequency with which you've called, emailed, or communicated in other ways with specific individuals. This permission allows apps to save your contact data, and malicious apps may share contact data without your knowledge.
modify your contacts
Allows the app to modify the data about your contacts stored on your device, including the frequency with which you've called, emailed, or communicated in other ways with specific contacts. This permission allows apps to delete contact data.
read call log
Allows the app to read your device's call log, including data about incoming and outgoing calls. This permission allows apps to save your call log data, and malicious apps may share call log data without your knowledge.
Your accounts
find accounts on the device
Allows the app to get the list of accounts known by the device. This may include any accounts created by applications you have installed.
Network communication
view Wi-Fi connections
Allows the app to view information about Wi-Fi networking, such as whether Wi-Fi is enabled and name of connected Wi-Fi devices.
view network connections
Allows the app to view information about network connections such as which networks exist and are connected.
receive data from Internet
Allows apps to accept cloud to device messages sent by the app's service. Using this service will incur data usage. Malicious apps could cause excess data usage.
download files without notification
Allows the app to download files through the download manager without any notification being shown to the user.
System tools
test access to protected storage
Allows the app to test a permission for USB storage that will be available on future devices.
read Home settings and shortcuts
Allows the app to read the settings and shortcuts in Home.
Affects Battery
prevent device from sleeping
Allows the app to prevent the device from going to sleep.
control vibration
Allows the app to control the vibrator.
Your applications information
run at startup
Allows the app to have itself started as soon as the system has finished booting. This can make it take longer to start the device and allow the app to slow down the overall device by always running.
reorder running apps
Allows the app to move tasks to the foreground and background. The app may do this without your input.
Audio Settings
change your audio settings
Allows the app to modify global audio settings such as volume and which speaker is used for output.
Sync Settings
toggle sync on and off
Allows an app to modify the sync settings for an account. For example, this can be used to enable sync of the People app with an account.
read sync settings
Allows the app to read the sync settings for an account. For example, this can determine whether the People app is synced with an account.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DroidFTW
They're not hiding it. Here's the list of permissions that you are presented with and have to allow the FB app in order to install it. BTW, a list this long is relatively unheard of for an android app.
[snip]
I don't use FB, and have no interest in doing so. But can someone, anyone explain to me why 90% of this stuff would be necessary for a FB app?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tribalogical
Mostly agree, except for the solution (which I also agree with in principle, but…).
You could just not install the FB app for Android. Or any others like it. Not much left to do with Android after that I'm guessing, but hey...
I just log into FB through Chrome. The permissions required are clearly listed before the app is installed. Not all developers are this invasive, and there's a plethora of apps which are much more privacy friendly. So, I guess your guess is not very accurate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronJ
I don't use FB, and have no interest in doing so. But can someone, anyone explain to me why 90% of this stuff would be necessary for a FB app?
It's not necessary, FB just wants user data and knows that there's a lot of dumb people out there that will not pay attention to the massive list of required permissions. As evidenced by the few responses here, it is clear though that many of us know better and actively avoid these invasive apps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neo42
It's not necessary, FB just wants user data and knows that there's a lot of dumb people out there that will not pay attention to the massive list of required permissions. As evidenced by the few responses here, it is clear though that many of us know better and actively avoid these invasive apps.
Basically what I thought, but wanted to know if I missed anything. Heh.