For questions related to enforcing you privacy on Android devices
40
votes
6answers
21k views
Why do so many applications require permission to read the phone state and identity?
Why do so many applications require permission to read the phone state and identity?. Specifically:
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
For example Quickpedia is a Wikipedia portal, but ...
31
votes
6answers
6k views
Support for Multiple Users on same device
Is there such a thing as a "current user" on Android and a way to switch it?
I'm interested in getting a Motorola Xoom and would like to share it with my wife when at home. For my Windows laptop we ...
15
votes
4answers
3k views
What Android sync'd data is encrypted?
With the release of the firesheep plug-in for firefox it has become trivial for website browsing on open Wi-Fi networks to be hijacked by 3rd party listeners.
Android offers the convenient auto-sync ...
17
votes
4answers
665 views
I have sold my phone on eBay. What should I do before I send it off?
I have an Android phone which I just sold on eBay. What measures should I take before posting it off to its new home? Please answer thoroughly!
21
votes
13answers
2k views
Are there any tools to sandbox a malware application even more than the granted permissions on Android?
Suppose I want to run some program which requests too many permissions. For example, record from the microphone or read IMEI of my phone. However, there are no practical explanation why recording from ...
11
votes
2answers
346 views
How do I prep my rooted and moded phone for resale?
I have a rooted MyTouch 3G (HTC Magic) that I want to sell to help defray the cost of my new phone. I have been running CyanogenMod on the phone. My problem lies in the fact that I don't really want ...
14
votes
2answers
5k views
How do I set up OpenVPN on CyanogenMod 7?
I want to route all my network traffic through my home's ISP connection when I'm out in Internet cafes so I can't be eavesdropped/firesheeped.
I have an HTC G2 with CyanogenMod 7, which has OpenVPN ...
15
votes
3answers
848 views
Audit app permissions easily in one place?
Is there anyway to list all the applications installed on your phone and the permissions they require all on one page, or export the list so it can easily be audited?
5
votes
2answers
168 views
Is there a list that explains the risks involved with each granted application permission type?
Usually an installed android app will request permissions such as
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
or
System tools
prevent phone from sleeping
But the actual consequences from a ...
7
votes
2answers
4k views
How to sync contacts and calendar with Linux system, without using Gmail?
How can I sync my contacts and calendar with a Linux system?
I'd prefer to sync with my desktop, but setting up a server on the internet would also be possible.
I want to avoid Google mail for ...
9
votes
2answers
621 views
What information does stock Android send to Google by default, and how do I opt-out?
I'm about to buy my first Android phone. My understanding is that, in order to download apps and get updates from Google Play, I need to be permanently signed into a Google account that's linked to my ...
4
votes
3answers
747 views
Is there an Android calendar with limited security permissions?
I've just bought an entry-level Samsung Europa, running version 2.2. I'm technically-minded but new to this OS. I'd like to find a calendar that runs in limited security permissions, so that my ...
3
votes
2answers
189 views
Is there an application / ROM that allows me to set the phone to “Guest” mode which I can configure?
I would like to be able to set my phone into Guest mode so people using it will not be able to "abuse" it while I give it to them.
Example of usage:
Child mode - prevent editing settings, making ...
8
votes
2answers
440 views
Where to modify the pseudonym used to rate Android apps?
I am currently rating android applications that I downloaded with the username firstname.lastname where firstname and lastname are mine.
However, I would like to put a pseudonym on it because my real ...
1
vote
1answer
99 views
How to prevent google aggressively associating my account to my searches?
i understand they can access my searches when i'm logged in, and of course know the search terms i use, but how can i prevent them to logging searches to my account when:
i'm not logged in
and in ...
3
votes
0answers
313 views
Privacy level with an anonymous account?
I am interested in the currently achievable levels of privacy on an Android device. As far as I understand it, the best one can do is not to activate a Google account. However, even then significant ...
2
votes
0answers
228 views
Using the GPS instead of Google Location Services in Chrome
I do not consent to Google collecting constant background information about my position at all times through their Google Location Service program. So I have got that option disabled.
I can get just ...
1
vote
1answer
362 views
Is there a way to use Google location service without tracking my positions constantly in background?
I want to use Google location service based on wifi or cell tower data without gathering and sending my (later anonymized) positions to Google in background when I do not explicitly make the requests. ...
4
votes
4answers
366 views
Can apps know where you are even without GPS?
I've noticed that Google Maps, for instance, can guess where you are using phone towers or something even when GPS is turned off.
Does this apply to 3rd party apps? Can any app figure out where you ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Why do I need a Gmail account to use Android?
I am a new user of Android phone. I used to own an iPhone. I don't remember needing an Apple account besides using it to download applications from app store. Now I need a Gmail account to do even ...
2
votes
3answers
554 views
Application for remote-wiping a lost phone without handing access to my data to a third-party?
Or having to pay a subscription?
I have an idea for a hypothetical Android app. Tell me if such a thing already exists.
You install a server in a machine you have total control of, and is ...
