What happens next?

[Maxxcyber]

I noticed when I download an App, Be it a game or otherwise, they ask for permissions and sometimes theres an agreement that says they can take things like your phone number and get into your phones private info.

So I started thinking, Most apps take some of your info!

My question is, Does anything happen after an app is downloaded? I've asked a few other people and they all say No. Nothing is going to happen. But I would rather get an answer from someone who knows what they're talking about.

Don't get me wrong this is NOT a joke! Thanx in adavnce

 

[Unforgiven]

Paying attention to the permissions is an important part of controlling your Android experience. It isn't "nothing happens" after you install an app with the exception that you need to open the app for the first time before it can act on the permissions it has. A lot of apps have access to things like your address book or account info, but if they don't have internet permissions, then they can't send that info, so the risk is mitigated. Others have full internet access, but no rights to anything on your phone. So they can't read or write anything, again, no harm here, probably for serving up ads in the app.

The example you gave about phone number is often conused by folks just getting into understanding permissions. It's call phone identity and state. The complex sounding permission really boils down to "are you on the phone." If it's a music app it can pause. If it's a game it can turn off the audio. These types of things.

I hope this makes a little sense.

 

[Maxxcyber]

Ok so nobody contacts you outside the app? I don't have to worry about anything dangerous happening outside the app? Some know your location that I thought could be dangerous. would they maybe track you down? Give your number to telemarketers? Stuff like that, is there any danger in downloading is what I'm getting at here.

 

[Unforgiven]

I've never been contacted outside an app. But the potential is there depending on the permissions and app uses. A bit of common sense and only getting apps from legit sources (not pirated) and you should be fine. For far more information on permissions and how they work, check this thread out.

http://androidforums.com/threads/an...ned-security-tips-and-avoiding-malware.36936/

 

[Maxxcyber]

Ok so these permissions you mention are all inclusive? Nothing is left out? If i could block said permissions would that be enough to protect me against any threats to security or privacy?

 

[Hadron]

If you can block permissions (said to be coming to all with 6.0, available in 4.3 with an app and 4.4/5 with an app plus root) then yes, an app can't violate your privacy. Depending on what it does it may also not work properly.

There's no real substitute for care in what you install, e.g. if a flashlight wants access to your accounts or contacts (which it obviously doesn't need for any valid purpose) it's better not to install it than to install a dodgy app and rely on blocking. Likewise if a developer has a reputation for privacy violation, spamming or other dodgy behaviour (Cheetah Mobile for example) just avoid their apps rather than try to block unwanted behaviour.