Facebook's Android App Is Asking for Superuser Privileges, Users Say (bleepingcomputer.com)

Catalin Cimpanu, reporting for BleepingComputer: The Facebook Android app is asking for superuser permissions, and a bunch of users are freaking out about granting the Facebook app full access to their device, an understandable reaction following the fallout from the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. "Grants full access to your device," read the prompts while asking users for superuser permissions. These popups originate from the official Facebook Android app (com.facebook.katana) and are started appearing last night [UTC timezone], continuing throughout the day. Panicked users took to social media, Reddit, and Android-themed forums to share screengrabs of these suspicious popups and ask for advice on what's going on.

Comments

Got rid of the apps a long time ago

[Anonymous Coward]

I got rid of any app that basically just mimics going to a website.

While I still use facebook (though at a limited capacity). I was tired of the app draining my battery, but also was very wary of all the stuff it was trying to get access to.

But in general I don't understand installing an app for a service that's offered via a website.

Re:No big deal

[Thelasko]

The app already asks for every single permission available.

The purpose of the Facebook app is:

1. harvest as much data as possible

1. bypass as many protections/ad blockers as possible

If you absolutely must use Facebook on your phone, do it using a web browser that is well secured. You won't really miss out on anything, but Facebook will.