Why Does Facebook Need To Read My Text Messages?

DavidGilbert99 writes "Facebook updates its Android app quite a lot, but the latest version asks for some rather odd permissions. Rolling out in the UK this week, some users have noticed that it now wants permission to read your text messages. While most suspected Facebook wanted to access the data to try and serve you more targeted ads, Facebook says it is only so it can facilitate two-factor authentication...apparently."

Comments

Obvious answer

[Anonymous Coward]

Why Does Facebook Need To Read My Text Messages?

Because shut up, that's why. If you ever want to hear from your "friends" again, you'll do exactly what we say without question. I'm certain you know that either you or your friends are too stupid or lazy to start and follow privately-hosted blogs, so sit down, shut up, and continue giving us data to mine. Idiot.

Re:Obvious answer

[Anonymous Coward]

I believe Zuckerberg refers to users as 'dumb fucks'

Actually one of my beefs

[tthomas48]

Android needs to add two levels of permissions for much of this stuff. You basically have to ask for everything or nothing. I wanted to check network state in my current app, which requires asking for permission to change the user's networks. I don't want to change their networks. I just want to see if the network is up.

SubjectsInCommentsAreStupid

[lesincompetent]

Uninstalled the app, started using FB via browser. For my low intensity usage it's still perfect. Also links to click and youtube embeds work seamlessly now.
Got no messenger installed too.

Re:SubjectsInCommentsAreStupid

[CastrTroy]

As soon as I saw this I uninstalled Facebook as well. My battery life has improved a bit. Also recently uninstalled Google Talk (now called "Hangouts (Replaces Google Talk)") because it started asking for access to my text messages as well. I've noticed a lot of apps asking for increased privileges lately. I usually uninstall them if it's something I don't really need. I wonder if the developers get statistics about number of people who uninstalled the app?

Re:SubjectsInCommentsAreStupid

[asavage]

Google hangouts wants to read your text messages as it is the default text message app for kitkat.

Well there you go

[Java Pimp]

Facebook says it is only so it can facilitate two-factor authentication

No need to question it further. A completely benign reason with no ulterior motive. Just allow it and be happy. Facebook wouldn't do anything against your wishes...

Re:Social Networking

[Anonymous Coward]

I resent the notion that product trend manipulation works on everyone. It does not, and it doesn't have to. It only has to work on enough people to make it worthwhile.

Re:Think of the children

[mandark1967]

That's the sound goatse makes when he farts

Re:Think of the children

[Opportunist]

We can't?

Facebook didn't get any kind of information from me. Take a wild guess how I accomplished this feat.

Hint: They can't exist without us. We can exist just fine without them.

Re:Think of the children

[mlk]

Because I don't want a phone. I want a PDA.

I also want to phone people every once in a blue moon and have always-on access to various IM clients. I don't want to carry two devices.

Now you don't want this and it is great that you can get a device that meets your needs. I can get a device that meets my needs but alas now they all come with shit installed.