Control What Permissions Applications Get With “Permissions Denied” [Android]
|
| ||||||||
| Compare: | Web Design Calculator | Web Design Cost Guidelines |
Are you an E-Commerce Web Designer? Add a Free Listing
Here’s an interesting question: why does an application such as a Blackjack game require permission to send out SMS messages on your behalf, or read your phone identity? I’m not singling out this one application – it just popped up in a casual stroll through the market. The fact of the matter is that there are numerous applications that require very invasive permissions, and could potentially cost you money in all sorts of sneaky ways.
One solution is to just avoid such applications; Another solution may be to install them, but selectively deny their invasive permissions. That’s what Permissions Denied for Android offers. But since Permissions Denied modifies basic system settings, you will need a rooted Android device to try it out.
As you start the app, you’re greeted with an inspiring quote from Yoda and a list of apps and their permissions:
Okay, so the graphics on that header could be a touch more polished, but we’re not here for the pretty looks. Let’s scroll down the list and tap Words With Friends to see what permissions Zynga’s scrabble clone requires.
Instead of outputting a bunch of permission names and letting you figure out what they mean on your own, Permissions Denied takes the time to explain in elaborate detail what each and every permission means. The descriptions are clear and don’t use difficult jargon. Under each permission you can clearly see its current status.
I am not quite sure why Zynga needs access to all contact information stored on my phone. Let’s disable that permission:
This is where we see the first root prompt. I gave Permissions Denied root access, of course. Once I did that, there was a notification asking me to wait for a few seconds, and then the READ_CONTACTS message was changed:
There’s a bit of a contrast issue with the text and the background color, so I’ll type out the message here: “This permission will be disabled AFTER a reboot”. Alright, so we need to reboot. Tapping the Menu button reveals a single handy option:
How convenient. After tapping the menu option, Permissions Denied popped up a verification prompt, and once I confirmed, the phone rebooted.
After rebooting, I opened Permissions again and tapped Words With Friends to see if the permission was indeed disabled:
Indeed, the permission was disabled. That means Words With Friends can no longer access the contact information on my phone, and I’ve regained just a tad more privacy by sharing less of my personal information with Zynga.
Caveats
Before you try Permissions Denied, there are a couple of important issues you should be aware of:
- Some applications may force-close if you disable their permissions. Obviously, not all permissions are there for nefarious purposes, and applications may try to use them at any time. It is strictly up to the developer to control how an application reacts when it doesn’t have permission to perform a certain activity. In simple terms, this means some apps may crash after you’ve denied them permissions. If that happens, you should be able to restore the permission and use the app again. Incidentally, Words With Friends worked just fine even after I denied its READ_CONTACTS permission.
- Permissions Denied does not work on all phones, even if they’re rooted. The real test is the reboot: Once you deny a permission, reboot your phone and go back into Permissions Denied (as I did above). If the permission is still denied, it obviously worked. Otherwise, the permission would simply be marked as “Active”, as if you haven’t tried to disable it at all. The developer isn’t sure why this happens — he speculates it may be due to different ROMs.
Bottom Line
Permissions Denied is a worthwhile app, if only for the educational value. You might be surprised to discover what permissions certain apps require on your device, and what each permission means. Since it’s a completely free and open-source app, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying it out. If it works, you’ll gain that much more privacy and control over your data. To install it, go to the Permissions Denied page on the Android Market.
Follow MakeUseOf on Twitter. Includes cool extras.
Read comments: Loved it? Hated it? Join discussion here ...
More articles about: google android, privacy, security, security tips, smartphones
Similar articles:
Tue, 31 May 2011 18:31:15 GMT
Tags: google android, Mobile Tips, privacy, security, security tips, smartphones,
McFarland E-Commerce | Covington E-Commerce | Pickerington E-Commerce | Oviedo E-Commerce | Houston E-Commerce | Clovis E-Commerce | Chattanooga E-Commerce | Williamsburg E-Commerce | Turlock E-Commerce | Provo-Orem E-Commerce |
google android
Catch Notes, A Note-Taking App For Android & iOS That’s Definitely Worth A Look
In my constant quest for the best note-taking environment, I’ve used Evernote, SpringPad, SimpleNote, reQall, and finally, Toodledo‘s Notebook, which unfortunately only takes formatted text at best, which still remains a text-only note applica
5 Time-Killing Google Android Apps For The Moderately Bored
Smartphones are really great for those idle moments when you're stuck waiting for short periods without the aid of a book. While many of us would turn directly to phone games for entertainment, others are more keen to read popular news stories and see th
Color: The Hottest Smartphone Photo Sharing App [Android/iPhone]
Are you ready to try something a little new? How about a social network designed with smartphones in mind, rather than one based on desktop computer principles? Well, that's what Color have put together. It's a nifty little app for Android or iPhone whi
Mobile Tips
5 Interesting Uses For A Spare Old Smartphone
These days we change our mobiles, laptops, cars and decor more than ever. If you’re on a rolling 12 month mobile contract, chances are you’ll get a brand spanking new smartphone each and every year. This results in a drawer full of disused cel
privacy
2 Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private & Secure
A good way to protect our information on the web is to surf the web anonymously, like using Google Chrome’s Incognito mode. To go incognito full-time though, you may want to take a look at the following web browsers.
Read comments:
Android Firefox Browser Offers “Do Not Track” Privacy Option [News]
Firefox for Android has recently updated privacy options to include a "Do Not Track" feature, which is a huge step for smartphone privacy online. Firefox is one of the leading browsers in this respect, and more mobile web browsers are expected to follow t
Need E-commerce Design? Check out our member profiles:
DutyApps.com has provided custom Website development services since 1997 and focuses exclusively on eCommerce and Inventory Management Systems (IMS) for people in need of freedom.
Hemlock, New York US
Web Solutions Services, LLC is your all in one technology and website design company. Specializing in SEO, Content Management Systems, Intranets/Extranets, consulting services and much more.
New Castle, Delaware US
Helping businesses build a professional and memorable presence for over 25 years. Custom web/print design, illustration, photo manipulation services - high quality production by experienced artist.
Brighton, Colorado US
Accredited Design is a professional website design company specializing in website design, graphic design, web site redesign and search engine optimization. Get a free quote today!
Richland Center, Wisconsin US
Worldwide online design services, currently in Toronto. We design successful and effective websites with proven SEO results. We will help people find your business.
Toronto, Ontario CA
No blah blah in here.. I make Websites and can deliver results in a short time. . not the best or the worst, check out my page. Thank you.
Katy, Texas US
How Easter Eggs Can Beef Up Your Marketing
No not the rainbow tin foiled chocolate things you hide in the back yard for your kids virtual Eas
Improve Your Skyrim Experience With Dragon Shout [iPhone]
As you begin to play Skyrim you might come to realize that the volume of content is hard to manage
2 Websites & 2 Applications That Can Help When Learning Java Programming
There are plenty of people I know who d like to know how to program yet they re confused by how to
How To Protect Yourself Against Social Engineering Attacks
Last week we took a look at some of the main social engineering threats that you your company or yo
Cool Tech Deals Of The Week – Edimax BR-6258n 150Mbps 802.11N Wireless Nano Router or Bridge $24.99 & More!
Newegg has the Edimax BR 6258n 150Mbps 802 11N Wireless N Router for a low 24 99 and 0 99 Shipping
The importance of hardware consistency
If you look at any of the posts I 8217 ve done regarding server or computer setups you 8217 ll fi
Cool Websites and Tools [October 22nd 2011]
Check out some of the latest MakeUseOf discoveries Most of the listed websites are FREE or come wit
Article Tags
E-commerce Design Articles
Web Apps & Internet (374)
News (291)
Web Apps (129)
Inspiration (128)
Music (119)
iPhone / iPad / iPod (116)
cool web apps (108)
Google Android (101)
Mobile Tips (100)
Announcements (99)
deals (88)
Games & Gaming Tips (84)
Tech Deals (82)
Opinion & Polls (76)
Cool Software Apps (76)
Social Media (66)
iOS (66)
Browser Tips & Tricks (66)
iPhone Apps (59)
Freebies (58)
geeky fun (58)
Photography (58)
iphone (55)
Google (53)
troubleshoot (53)
android (52)
Photoshop (52)
Graphics (51)
facebook (50)
How-To Articles (50)
Friends:
E-Commerce Website Pricing
Web Design Quote
Website Design
Graphic Designers
