Questions tagged [privacy]
For questions related to enforcing you privacy on Android devices
448
questions
1
vote
1
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295
views
What's a secure way to message/talk to someone in CM9?
I'm using CM9 nightly (20120712 i.e. today).
I need to talk securely, without the chance of eavesdropping, to someone who also has CM9 nightly (not sure how up-to-date but not more than 1 month old).
...
- 970
3
votes
3
answers
11k
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How to do Factory Reset
I know the topic has been covered here. But this is something different. I got a Tablet in my workplace to work with. It has a primary email Id for which I don't know the password. So to remove this, ...
- 191
4
votes
2
answers
768
views
Is there any way to stop Google removing apps from the phone?
Back before Android had gone mainstream, there was an incident where Google removed an app using a feature called Remote Application Removal.
This potentially allows Google to start removing ...
- 970
8
votes
3
answers
6k
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 ...
- 339
11
votes
3
answers
12k
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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 ...
- 221
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1
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2k
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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. ...
- 146
2
votes
2
answers
977
views
How to browse securely, anonymously and without blocks on Android?
So here's your Average Joe at a coffee store, using the open Wifi on his shiny new Android phone. Obviously there are the same issues with using a laptop or any other device on an open network, ...
- 21
2
votes
2
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191
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Can traffic be inspected through WiFi? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
If I use free WiFi in a hotspot, can data be easily sniffed?
Let's say I am browsing an HTTP accessible web site (i.e. NOT HTTPS) , is the traffic encrypted through the WiFi ...
- 203
4
votes
1
answer
2k
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Does FriendCaster have problems with the privacy settings of my friends?
I am fed up with the official Facebook application and want to switch. FriendCaster seems to be one of the very good choices. However I saw in reviews and other websites that FriendCaster will not ...
7
votes
3
answers
99k
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Why do I need a Gmail account to use Android? [closed]
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 ...
1
vote
1
answer
121
views
Need to give away Milestone that's rooted, what happens if I do Factory Data Reset?
In Settings -> Privacy -> Factory data reset?
I don't mind giving it away rooted, but if it wipes out the Superuser application (hence allowing any app to enter root mode unchecked) would be very ...
- 583
23
votes
3
answers
115k
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What does the voice privacy setting do?
In perusing the settings on my EVO today, I noticed that there is an option under call settings named "Voice Privacy". The description beneath the checkbox merely states "Enable enhanced privacy mode":...
- 36.7k
7
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Why do QR scanner apps want to access my contact list?
I want an app to scan the occasional QR code which usually should contain an URL.
The other day, I meant to download an app for that and searched the market for one that does not want access to all my ...
- 282
4
votes
1
answer
979
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Personalized Mass Text tool (app)?
I want to: Send massive personlized text messages.
Example of what I want to do: Send the same template to George & Juan
Hey Juan, how are you doing?
Hey George, how are you doing?
without ...
- 141
11
votes
2
answers
15k
views
Can I block specific apps from using GPS?
I like to leave GPS enabled so that it's ready to go when I open Maps or certain other location based apps.
However, one app that I don't want to access GPS is Facebook. There is, as far as I can ...
- 3,709
10
votes
1
answer
10k
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Google maps wants a login now? Is there a way around this?
I've managed to get away with running my Galaxy S without every hooking it up to a Gmail account, but sometime in the last couple of weeks (I think following an OS update from Sprint) Maps started ...
- 3,423
7
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1
answer
5k
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Why do App Locker apps need so many permissions? Am i safe?
I've been trying to password protect an app, and it seems that the permissions vary from app to app for App Lockers.
Why do so many of them require full phone access?
Is there any danger if i use a ...
- 567
4
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Erasing SD Card contents and personal data
I have an SD card in my Droid Global or Droid X, not exactly sure which model. I go to the files and click on the SD card instead of shred files and delete all of its contents. I then go to Privacy ...
- 41
4
votes
0
answers
567
views
Privacy level with an anonymous account? [duplicate]
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 ...
9
votes
2
answers
364
views
Is there a service that rates app security/permissions?
Is there a service/company/app that vets Android apps and reports on their "trustworthiness"?
I recently moved from Blackberry to a Galaxy S2 which does not have an LED indicator light. I searched ...
- 303
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1
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805
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Looking for a network monitor that can enumerate outbound connections
I have a rooted Galaxy S2, and I want to block access for all apps whose primary function does not require network connectivity. I am using DroidWall and LBE Privacy Guard (both require root) to ...
- 788
2
votes
2
answers
1k
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Sync without gmail playing big brother?
My happiness turned to despire when I realised that to have Android0based cell means to have a mandatory GMail account and an mandatory sync of all data to Google even if one just wants to sync just ...
- 31
3
votes
2
answers
2k
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Encrypting SMS and calls
Is it possible to encrypt calls and SMS messages between two Android phones (or even from android to iPhone)?
This firm delivered a beta on Android Market before: http://www.whispersys.com/
- 602
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5
answers
30k
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New Facebook app activates GPS when launched -- how to disable?
This started happening with the latest Facebook app update.
I don't want to disable my GPS outright -- I like that it comes up automatically when I call Google Maps. (Which usually is in a "where the ...
- 583
1
vote
5
answers
381
views
Looking for option for 3-way file sync
I want to be able to have a 3-way sync for some files between home and work PCs and my Android (HTC Sensation, 2.3). I want to sync a few documents and Keepass password database.
What options are ...
- 113
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votes
1
answer
1k
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Are my contacts encrypted on my Android?
Are my contacts encrypted on my Android and where are they?
How can I access them? Any public APIs? (From PC)
user2722
19
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Is there any way to erase personal information from my phone that has already been stolen?
My phone has been stolen. I do not want the thief to have access to any of my personal information such as calls, texts, and information saved in the phones contents. Is there any possible way I can ...
- 191
2
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Preparation steps for sending a phone back under warranty
I'm sending my (unrooted) nexus s off repair under under warranty, and was just wondering if there any precautions I can take to limit the amount of personal info on the device, lest the engineers ...
- 123
3
votes
2
answers
2k
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Android Browser Privacy Settings: "Clear cookies" and "clear cache"
I have a couple of questions about privacy and Android phones, though it probably relates to the windows phone as well and welcome the thoughts of any developers.
Do the 'clear cookies' and or 'clear ...
Skizz
2
votes
3
answers
1k
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 (...
- 583
18
votes
2
answers
7k
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 ...
- 3,017
17
votes
3
answers
470
views
Temporarily protect email/sms when giving device to others?
Say my cousin wants to play with my phone/tablet for a while. Let's pretend I'm really nice and pleased to let him play with it as long as he wants, but deep inside I'm a little worry about him ...
- 271
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votes
2
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4k
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is it possible to disable Google remote kill switch?
our company is considering using the Android platform for future developments.
Some folks raised concerns over Google ability to remotely delete applications on the device. they are arguing that if ...
user3346
46
votes
7
answers
13k
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 ...
- 573
5
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Show SMS content only after unlock? (Handcent)
Is there a way to make Handcent show an SMS only after the screen is unlocked? Right now it shows the whole message in some kind of preview even when the screen is locked. Browsed the options a few ...
- 1,106
12
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What are the privacy implications of using Talk-to-Text?
Given that the Android implementation of Talk-To-Text sends your voice to Google's servers, parses your speech into text, then sends the text string back to the handset, what are the privacy ...
- 482
22
votes
6
answers
2k
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!
- 803
12
votes
2
answers
2k
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How practical it is to use an Android phone, bypassing Google completely?
One of the first things that I noticed on my Nexus One as I turned it on the first time, was GMail, Talk, Voice, Maps, Google Calendar and many other Google based services.
I know that even on a ...
- 903
6
votes
2
answers
435
views
Questions About Android Privacy
The permissions warning in the Android Market is very vague. As well, I can't see the app permissions in a collective area of all the apps I have previously installed. So, I have no clue whether an ...
- 607
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2
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238
views
Does Nexus One WiFi traffic go through Google?
When I use the default browser (what is it? Is it Chrome? Firefox? other?) to view a site (not necessarily via Google search), does any of that visit information reach Google servers?
How about DNS?
- 903
29
votes
5
answers
3k
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?
- 19.3k
59
votes
8
answers
33k
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Are there any tools to sandbox a malware application even more than the granted permissions on Android? [closed]
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 ...
- 1,516
24
votes
2
answers
4k
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 ...
- 1,014
8
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2
answers
12k
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 ...
- 388
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Security / Privacy concerns regarding custom android ROM
What are the security and privacy concerns surrounding using a custom android ROM like that of cyanogen?
- 486
14
votes
2
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814
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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 ...
- 318
10
votes
4
answers
1k
views
What's the most complete way to erase all the data from my phone so it cannot be recovered?
I just got my replacement Droid and will be sending my current Droid back to Motorola. I'm sure they are going to refurbish it and resell it. I've backed up everything and I'm going to be keeping my ...
- 19.3k
90
votes
5
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72k
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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 ...
goldsz