App Permissions And Why It Is Important To Keep A Check On Them
App permissions are controls that determine what information and actions an app can access on your device. They essentially define what an app can do, such as accessing your camera, location, contacts, or microphone. Users grant these permissions, typically during the installation process or when an app requests access at runtime.
Imagine you have downloaded the latest game that everyone is talking about, your friend is waiting beside you to have a one-on-one duel against you and suddenly Google Play Store asks for permission access when you open the game, at that point of time you are just ready to move ahead.
Just wait and think, these permissions are actually access to your phone that you allow to the game and perhaps more applications. So, what are these app permissions?
What are App Permissions?
App permissions are controls that determine what information and actions an app can access on your device. They essentially define what an app can do, such as accessing your camera, location, contacts, or microphone. Users grant these permissions, typically during the installation process or when an app requests access at runtime.
Examples of App permissions:
- Camera: Allows the app to use the device’s camera.
- Location: Allows the app to access the device’s location.
- Microphone: Allows the app to record audio.
- Contacts: Allows the app to access your contact list.
- Calendar: Allows the app to access your calendar.
- Storage: Allows the app to access and modify files on the device’s storage.
- Phone: Allows the app to make and manage phone calls.
- SMS: Allows the app to send and receive SMS messages.
You should keep a regular check on them, as you are providing these apps the full access to your private information, photos and also sensitive information such as bank account details and pins.
Microphone can also lead to conversation leaks
Allowing access to Microphone can also lead to conversations being overheard by some malicious apps.
You should keep the apps in check and only download apps and games from the legitimate Google Play Store and App Store. These platforms allow only reliable sources and also make a background check on the companies that are launching the apps.
So, next time you download an app, first read and only allow permissions that you’re okay with as some permissions don’t make any sense and also might save you from leaking your personal information.
