On Android, Permissions are a powerful way of seeing what apps can do (and not necessarily what they do). Only unfortunate part is that there is no way to review permissions easily and definitely no way to modify them through official means. But there are apps which can help us in doing that.
But before revoking permissions, it is a good idea to understand what various permissions mean. Go to this excellent post on androidforums for an overview.
But before revoking permissions, it is a good idea to understand what various permissions mean. Go to this excellent post on androidforums for an overview.
Personally, I think the key permissions to watch out for are:
- Superuser: Most dangerous, no idea what all the app can do if this permission is given. Be careful and use the superuser app to revoke permissions. Also would be advisable to never remove notifications.
- Install Packages: Very dangerous
- Full internet access: Absense of internet access can avoid a lot of privacy issues, but a lot of apps do require this to function
- Read logs / Read sensitive logs: Few apps should be needing this
- Use Credentials, Manage Accounts: Most apps shouldn't require it
- Read/modify Gmail: Not sure which apps would legitimately require it
- Discover Known Accounts: Be careful, but many apps seem to require it
- Read phone state and identity (IMEI, IMSI): I do not like my IMEI number to be known to everybody
- Modify/delete SD card contents
- Fine (GPS) location and Coarse (network-based) location: Location tagging is increasing, but I do not like it; I would like my locations to be private. I personally keep GPS disabled, unless really required.
So you are worried about permissions but do not know how to check and then change? Don't worry, I will tell you how!
