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Android warns the user that location related permissions are required. The issue is, is that this is required for Bluetooth scanning and the app developer abuse
by x1sec 3y ago
Android warns the user that location related permissions are required. The issue is, is that this is required for Bluetooth scanning and the app developer abuses this by collecting other 'location data'. The app developer even tries to explain to the user with a pop up saying (paraphrasing) "click accept, so bluetooth will work".
- sleepybrett 3y agoOr they just lie to you 'we need your location data to do <sensible thing you want>' (like say localized weather or nearby starbucks or whatever) however they then turn around and basically track you constantly and sell your data to all comers.
- x1sec 3y agoThis is exactly what what they did here. That said, the attention of the blog post seems to have triggered them to disclose now on the Apple [1] and Google Play [2] store that they are indeed collecting your location data. They got away with lying for quite some time, over 100k downloads on Play store and 1.57k reviews. [1] https://apps.apple.com/au/app/battery-monitor-bm2/id1115492033 https://apps.apple.com/au/app/battery-monitor-bm2/id11154920... [2] https://play.google.com/store/apps/datasafety?id=com.dc.battery.monitor2 https://play.google.com/store/apps/datasafety?id=com.dc.batt...
- crossroadsguy 3y agoThis is horrendous. Android does it to make it clear, actually this is my best guess, that having access to WiFi and BT controls might leak location data based on, I assume again, where those BT and WiFi devices are located - ie by some kind of reverse search. And since that might leak why the hell not force user to grant the location permission anyway when they want BT/WiFi functionality. I mean this is just retarded design. Unless there’s a “technical need” to use GPS while dealing with BT or WiFi that I am not aware of that.