Google Inc has removed an experimental privacy feature from its Android mobile software that had allowed users to block apps from collecting personal information such as address book data and a user’s location.
[…]
A company spokesman said the feature had been included by accident in Android 4.3, the version released last summer.
So a feature to help users keep their info private was included by accident. Makes sense considering it comes from a company that makes its money on knowing every little thing about what you do.
“We are suspicious of this explanation, and do not think that it in any way justifies removing the feature rather than improving it,” said Peter Eckersley, technology projects director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The digital rights website first publicized the change in a blog post on Friday.
Android users who wish to retain the privacy controls by not upgrading to Android 4.4.2 could be vulnerable to security risks, Eckersley said. “For the time being, users will need to chose between either privacy or security on the Android devices, but not both.”
So, what’s it gonna be Android users? Fucked by Google or fucked by hackers?
Isn’t it a moot point since most Android users don’t even have 4.3 never mind 4.4.x?
Pretty much. Lol
It isn’t either case you point out Jim. 1) we didn’t have access to this feature. 2) you’re no less safe on 4.4.2 than you were on 4.3 since it was hidden.
Contact Gate was a serious iOS failure but the focus was on Path, etc…not hackers. I think that’s the same case here where sure “hackers” could be more malicious but apps like Twitter who request your contacts are most often the violators of uploading your entire list, as they recently got mine due to fast tapping through prompts.
Either way, sucks they didn’t flesh it out and give us more control. I look forward to it being released. It’ll be a huge win for us.
So how is it a “win”?
Pretty funny, considering that iOS doesn’t have a feature like this, either. At least Android apps tell you all of the stuff they’re going to access before you download them.
Still waiting for the “Fucked by Apple” article on that topic, Jim.
Incorrect. In iOS 6 and above apps need to ask permission to use services such as calendars or contacts info. This feature was introduced way before for location data.
there is very strict access control on iOS6 and up for app access to contacts, calendars, photos, location data(which came earlier…iOS4 maybe?)
wrong.
I’m amazed how people think its ok to speak in ignorance of basic facts when a couple minutes in a browser could educate.
“I look forward to it being released. It’ll be a huge win for us.”
^ Read that again.
Yeah, access requests are old. What happens once access is given is what gave way to Path and others abusing address books. The same goes for GPS data.
Neither system is perfect in this regard. Google gives you a list of things the app will access ahead of install and requires user interaction to accept this list but no one reads it, I posit. Apple prompts on request per app. Both allow you unfettered access after.
The major difference: malicious use would possibly be caught in Apple’s review process and Google doesn’t have one so it’d go free.
So, us = people who relentlessly defend and promote Android as a platform for our own work. Got it.
No, us = users. Read it slowly this time.
When Google releases the aforementioned app providing considerably greater security controls, the Android users able to benefit from said app/update will be in a much greater position.
Does that help? Lose the hate-colored glasses dude. You’re wayyy off base on this line of time wasted commenting. Feel free to address the rest of my original comment.