How important is it to review the permissions that an app is using?

Question

When installing or updating an app, how often do you pay attention to the permissions that an app is using? Do you ever not install an app because you think it is requesting too much access to the device?

Answer 1

Think about the scope of the app. If the app is a tipping calculator, then does it really need access to your phone contacts?

But don't fret over all permissions. A lot of apps ask for internet access and may not seem like they need it. This is usually for advertisements or for sending remote tracelogs to the developer.

Read what other people are commenting on the app. Look at the apps rating. Go read some reviews about the app. Does it look trust worthy? At some point you simply have to trust the developer.

Answer 2

I agree with the other answers given, but want to give a developer's perspective. It's important to look at permissions, but it's important not to assume malicious intent on the part of developers, as way more often than not, the permission is necessary, or used for helpful things that aren't apparent (like the log reporting that Bryan mentioned). There are also permissions that can sound worse than they are.

For example, I have an app that asks for the permission to "start at boot", and people assume that means the app necessarily begins running at boot and never quits. This isn't the case, I start up very briefly at boot to schedule system alarms for the app to run later, if the user has enabled some features that require regular checks. It's of much less impact on the battery than it would be if it actually ran all the time.

Answer 3

Security

Consider whether each app will really need the feature, and how your personal privacy could be potentially compromised by a subversive app. If an app requires a username and password, and it requires internet access, is it trustworthy? Most apps are going to be on the up-and-up, but if you are trying something new from an unknown source, be cautious. It could be sloppy programming, a real need, or someone trying to cull your contact list.

Performance

If you are already having trouble getting your battery to last all day, apps that require use of hardware on your phone are going to make things worse. If you have an option to choose an app that uses GPS vs. one that doesn't, and both work just as well, picking the one that does not use GPS is probably the better choice.