Tech Check #3: Android Permissions- Why you should care.

Android is very specific about the access that the apps on the Play Store have. Play Store is not as stringent as its Apple counterpart. Therefore, it becomes prone to malware attacks since apps sometimes ask for more than what is required. Today we cover all YOU need to know about the android permissions.

Tech Check-Android Permissions

Whenever we install an application, we are provided with a list of declarations by the app developers about the access that their application needs in order to function properly. We often treat it as EULA and overlook it completely. If you are in the list of those that does this, you should probably start reading what the permissions are about. The permissions define a thin line of our privacy and security between you and the developer, so ignoring it might prove to be costly at your end. The number of permissions is not an issue since the app actually requires certain permissions to work properly, for instance, if the Uber app asks for your location, it seems fine but if your FlashLight app does the same, you should check twice before installing it. Basically, if the developer can justify the need of each permission that it requires through the app description or FAQ, etc. ,it's fine moving ahead to install the app but if the opposite is the case, you should be careful. The app reviews help too unless the reviews are manipulated itself. One thing that Google has implemented with its Android M is the ability of the user to revoke the permission that he feels unnecessary. This seems to be a life-saver for the users but nightmare for the developers since they have to provide explanation for all the permissions.

PERMISSIONS WORTH CHECKING OUT FOR:

• Location: The app needs access to your location through your phone's GPS. Application like cab-hailing apps- Uber, Ola; games like Pokemon Go; Facebook, etc. are the popular apps that require this permission.
• Storage: The app needs access to your files in your internal or external storage. Apps like PDF reader-Adobe Acrobat DC; File Sharing apps like SHAREit, Xender etc. require this permission.
• Finding accounts on device: The app needs access to your social media accounts like Google+ or Facebook. Any app requiring Sign Up usually has this permission.
• Reading phone status and identity: The app needs access to your phone's identity, that means your access to your IMEI/IMSI number, your phone number, if the call is active, etc. Apps like 

BOTTOM LINE: Users need to understand that permissions are required for the application to run properly, for example, not allowing TrueCaller to have access to your Call Log or Contacts will make the app useless. Being aware of the permissions asked and granting the required permission to the right app is the best thing to do. Developers should also be transparent in convincing the users of the permissions that they are asking for like access to internet in a free, Ad-supported app is fine but the permission to location by a Clock app is suspicious. Till the developer can explain and convince you of all the permissions, it is better to avoid the app and go for an alternative that is more transparent.