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Android apps can request access to /sdcard/ for things like file managers. Everything else needs root access, or using adb via USB

• 4ggr0 4y ago
  So this file access permission at most gives access to the whole /sdcard, which does not sound to me like it has to be a bad thing, right?
  • themoonisachees 4y ago
    Kind of? /sdcard/ (a misnomer, it's just really a directory like /home/user/ on unix) perms are asked all the time by apps that don't need it at all because developpers don't understand that apps have their own config directory free of permissions, so they put stuff in /sdcard/ which triggers the perm popup. In this case i'm worried because /sdcard/ perms give acces to all downloads, and all pictures, downloaded or taken. This, coupled with the UAEs track record concerning LGBTQ rights and digital surveillance, adding to the fact there is no discernable reason this app needs /sdcard/ access is troubling. Imagine installing the app, and getting put in prison because you have pictures with your gay partner on it.
    • 4ggr0 4y ago
      Oh I would definitely also be worried about this specific app requesting this permission. My questions about this permission are based on the other person saying "if Android allows an app ability to do that then that's a huge security hole". In this case it does seem like a security hole, but that can't be said as a general statement in my opinion.