Safe App list? No unnecesary permisions etc.

[jazz53]

Is there a list somewhere for apps that have been tested/reviewed for apps that do not ask for unnecessary permissions or adds?
I notice some apps ie; basic card games want access to SMS, email , internet, contacts, sd card even phone calls.. This is ridiculous.
I understand some apps do require access to certain functions and may rely on advertising. But it should be made clear.

A list of safe apps would be great!

TIA

 

[codesplice]

That's a really broad request. Was there a particular category of app that you were interested in?

Your best bet would probably be to brush up on what those permissions mean and why they might be needed and just take it on a case-by-case basis. I know that a lot of really solid devs will also spell out in the app description exactly why they need the permissions they request.

 

[jazz53]

Did not mean it to be broad but generic.
I do not understand why a freecell card game would need all those permissions.
Of course some apps need permissions to do their job ied; dialers or contact lists, but some control should be in place to prevent unwanted access.
There must or should be a list of apps that are checked to make sure they are safe/free from unnecessary permissions.
Windows has best freeware lists (http://www.techsupportalert.com/)
Hoping there is one for Android apps.

 

[Hadron]

Well the simple answer is that a card game like that doesn't need those permissions. Whether the list is due to laziness on the part of the developer (ask for everything rather than make the effort to understand what is needed) or nefarious intent you cannot tell from the list alone, but I'd not install it.

As for lists, don't know offhand.

 

[zuben el genub]

I think a lot of apps use a CYA, They don't need most permissions now but might later.

 

[UncleMike]

Maintaining such a list would be a virtually impossible, since the requested required permissions can change with each update of an app. To me, requiring permissions that aren't necessary for the stated function of the app is a sign of either a developer who's too lazy to know or figure out what's really necessary, or an app that's doing something the developer doesn't want you to know about.

After reviewing what each permission allows an app to do, it's clear to me that Google is a major contributor to this issue. Google tends to group innocuous permissions together with those many would consider invasive. One example comes to mind: the "Phone calls" (read phone state and identity) allows an 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". It's perfectly normal for any time sensitive game to require this permission so it can know enough to pause game play when the phone rings. Unfortunately, that means that the game also has access to my phone number, MEID, and the phone number of every call I make or receive.

Sorry to get off track.