Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the permissions settings for WhatsApp on Android devices, specifically the desire to allow the app access to all files rather than just media files. Participants explore the implications of these permissions on local backup functionality and the technical aspects of app permissions in Android.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a need for WhatsApp to access all files to create local backup files, contrasting it with other apps that have broader permission options.
- Another participant explains that WhatsApp developers have not included the permission for full storage access in the app's Manifest.xml file, adhering to best practices that favor granular media permissions.
- A participant mentions that WhatsApp can still perform local backups without full access, questioning whether a SecurityException is occurring on the user's device.
- One user reports that their backup process fails silently without any error messages, suggesting that permission issues might be a factor.
- Another participant argues that if granular permissions are granted, the inability to create a local backup is likely unrelated to permissions, indicating that the app can still read/write files.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the inability to create local backups is due to permission issues or other factors, indicating multiple competing views on the matter.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations in the permissions model for Android apps and the specific choices made by WhatsApp developers regarding storage access. There are unresolved questions about the exact cause of the backup failure.
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