Apps having access to Android Camera

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of Android apps having access to the device's camera, particularly in the context of security concerns and privacy implications. Participants explore the necessity of camera access for various apps, the implications of granting such permissions, and the differences between needing and wanting access to the camera.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether any Android apps should have access to the camera, citing security concerns related to potential misuse.
  • Others argue that certain apps, like messaging applications, may require camera access for legitimate reasons, such as sending photos.
  • There is a suggestion that users should periodically review app permissions and remove access from apps that are seldom used or seem suspicious.
  • One participant highlights the distinction between access to the camera and access to photos, noting that access to the camera may not be necessary for all apps.
  • Another participant mentions that newer Android versions have restrictions that prevent apps from using the camera without being in the foreground, and that users are notified when the camera is in use.
  • Some participants discuss the difference between an app's "need" for camera access versus its "want," suggesting that users can deny access and observe the app's behavior.
  • There is a mention of Android's runtime permissions system, which requires developers to request permissions at runtime and guidelines that dictate how apps should behave if permissions are denied.
  • One participant shares a personal experience regarding notifications from a step tracking app, indicating that permission for notifications is a separate issue from camera access.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the necessity and implications of camera access for Android apps. There is no consensus on whether all apps should have access, and the discussion includes multiple competing perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns about security and privacy, but the discussion does not resolve the implications of granting camera access or the effectiveness of Android's permission system. Some assumptions about app behavior and user experience remain unexamined.

WWGD
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Should any Android apps be given access to its( Android) camera? Re a blackmailing email I recently received, I want to cover as many security angles as possible. So I recently checked the list of apps in my Android that have access to my camera. There were a few, WhatsApp and Google being reasonable ones. Messages too had access. I don't see why it should. Should it?
 
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Well folks do send photos in their messages so I guess thats a yes.
 
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Its good to review your apps periodically and remove one you seldom use and also suspicious ones.
 
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Are you worried about access to the camera or to the photos?
If you don't do any video calls, I don't know why any app other than the camera app needs access to the camera. It might allow an app to take photos or videos that you are not aware of.
Access to photos that you have already taken is a different thing.
 
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FactChecker said:
It might allow an app to take photos or videos that you are not aware of.
With the newer Android versions, that's not really possible. Your app has to be in the foreground to use the camera. When sensitive components like camera or microphone are in use, Android shows a green dot in the top right corner of the screen. Services can be made to use camera, but it's not stable and highly prone to be shut down by the system.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
When sensitive components like camera or microphone are in use, Android shows a green dot in the top right corner of the screen.
Ah, I've been wondering what that green LED dot meant. Thanks! :smile:
 
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There's also a diff between "need" and "want". In a lot of cases, you can simply deny the app access to the function and see what happens.
It may
  • be just fine,
  • complain and disable certain features,
  • ask to enable the features when it needs them,
  • just refuse to function.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
There's also a diff between "need" and "want". In a lot of cases, you can simply deny the app access to the function and see what happens.
It may
  • be just fine,
  • complain and disable certain features,
  • ask to enable the features when it needs them,
  • just refuse to function.
Yeah, Android 6+ requires devs to ask for runtime permissions. According to Play Store's guidelines, if a permission is denied, an app should simply disable the feature that depends on that permission (unless it's a core feature) and not nag the user continuously over the refused permission.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
Yeah, Android 6+ requires devs to ask for runtime permissions. According to Play Store's guidelines, if a permission is denied, an app should simply disable the feature that depends on that permission (unless it's a core feature) and not nag the user continuously over the refused permission.
I have my Step Tracking App sending me notifications to the effect I haven't taken enough steps. I will block it . Seems permission to notify me existed by default.
 
  • #10
WWGD said:
I have my Step Tracking App sending me notifications to the effect I haven't taken enough steps. I will block it . Seems permission to notify me existed by default.
Permission for an app to send notifications is an entirely different subject.
 
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  • #11
FactChecker said:
Permission for an app to send notifications is an entirely different subject.
Yes. OMG. What an annoying feature.
 
  • #12
FactChecker said:
Permission for an app to send notifications is an entirely different subject.
Yes, I was addressing notifications in general.
 

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