Android and privacy

[steveulent]

Hello to all. . .

First post, so apologies if this is in the wrong place.

Just bought my first android phone (samsung galaxy ace, gingerbread) a few days ago, and so far am enjoying it lots.

Just one concern. . . I've installed a couple of apps and since nosing about at settings I've noticed that quite a few things seem to have access to data on my phone. . .

I can understand - sort of - that the live wallpaper I've installed might want to know my location so that it can target advertising at me. . . but why does the default music player (for example) need to have access to the contents of my email, SMS and MMS? Does this mean that google is accessing the data? Or some unidentified third party who wrote a bit of code in the app?

I have private data on my phone that is, well, private. . . and the idea that someone is building a database in China of my txts is disturbing.

Can anyone tell me - am I right to be concerned? And is there anything I can do about it?

Cheers!

 

[chanchan05]

If you receive an attachment in the form of an mp3 in the email or messaging app, those permissions would allow the default music player (or other music players you have set to default would also ask this permission) to be able to play the file without you actually saving the file AFAIK.

 

[ashykat]

Permissions are always something to pay attention to when you're installing. There really isn't a huge issue with Android as long as you use common sense and pay attention. So many people complain about malware on Android but they're the people that will install an app from anyone that sends them a link, or the ones that feel they "shouldn't have to pay for apps", so they search megaupload for cracked apps. Read app reviews, use common sense, and you'll be fine.

As far as the music player is concerned, does it have an option for you to "share" what you're playing with someone? That would explain those permissions.