New Permission System Could Make Android Much Less Secure

capedgirardeau writes: An update to the Google Play store now groups app permissions into collections of related permissions, making them much less fine grained and potentially misleading for users. For example, the SMS permissions group would allow an app access to both reading and sending SMS messages. The problem is that once an app has access to the group of permissions, it can make use of any of the allowed actions at any time without ever informing the user. As Google explains: "It's a good idea to review permissions groups before downloading an app. Once you've allowed an app to access a permissions group, the app may use any of the individual permissions that are part of that group. You won't need to manually approve individual permissions updates that belong to a permissions group you've already accepted."

Comments

Whew

[Anonymous Coward]

Makes me glad I run a Windows 8.1 phone.

Re:Whew

[rogoshen1]

Hey! I also use a windows phone. And the truth is, without any apps available to install (period), my privacy is still intact.

Re:How is this a good idea?

[Anonymous Coward]

Its a great idea because most people are idiots who click 'Accept' anyway and this will mean less apps break. As for the problems.. what problem.. you wanting privacy is a bigger problem for Google's business.

Re:How is this a good idea?

[bluefoxlucid]

FEWER YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!!!augahutauthasugacoduausaotuhsnaotdsanodfcr

Coming soon... even *simpler* permissions

[QilessQi]

You're about to install "Angry Birds 7.0". This app wants to...

    1. Do whatever the hell it wants to with your tablet setup, your phone connections, and the Internet
    2. Not tell you about it

[ ] Yes: I'm bending over right now!
[ ] No: uninstall Android, brick my tablet, and post all my downloaded porn to Facebook