What is App Permissions?
Controls that determine what data and device features an app can access, including contacts, camera, microphone, location, and storage.
App permissions are your primary defense against mobile app surveillance. Most apps request far more permissions than they need.
High-Risk Permissions
- Location (Always): Tracks you 24/7 in the background
- Contacts: Can upload your entire address book
- Camera/Microphone: Can record without visible indication
- Phone: Can read your call log and phone number
- Storage: Can access all files on your device
- SMS: Can read all text messages
Permission Best Practices
- Review permissions before installing (check the app listing)
- Grant only what's needed for core functionality
- Use "While Using" instead of "Always" for location
- Revoke permissions you've already granted that seem unnecessary
- On Android 12+, check the Privacy Dashboard for recent permission usage
The Flashlight Test
If a flashlight app requests access to your contacts, location, and microphone — it's not a flashlight app. It's spyware with a flashlight feature.
Related Terms
Advertising ID
A unique identifier assigned to your mobile device by the operating system, used by apps and advertisers to track your behavior across applications.
Location Services
A system that determines your device's location using GPS, WiFi, cell towers, and Bluetooth, often shared with apps and service providers.
Have more questions?
Use our guided flow to get the right next privacy step for App Permissions.
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