Hmm...often times these kinds of videos are alarmist, stretching facts to the point of breaking. This actually seem to be accurate. I just checked the permissions on Facebook Messenger and found that they do indeed allow it to take pictures, record audio, etc. without notifying you. Now here is where it gets interesting. If you read the description of permissions when installing the app you get short and very generic descriptions that sound innocuous. It gets access to your messages: sure, its a messenger app. It gets access to your cameras: sure, you want to send photos and video with your messages sometimes. Your microphone: well duh, how else are you going to do a voice chat? Now go to the Application Manager after you install and read the descriptions of the permissions. Kind of a different story [below emphasis mine]... Allows the app to read SMS messages stored on your phone or SIM card. This allows the app to read all SMS messages, REGARDLESS OF CONTENT OR CONFIDENTIALITY. Allows the app to send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by SENDING MESSAGES WITHOUT YOUR CONFIRMATION. Allows the app to record audio with the microphone. This permission allows the app to RECORD AUDIO AT ANY TIME WITHOUT YOUR CONFIRMATION. Allows the app to take pictures and videos with the camera. This permission allows the app to USE THE CAMERAS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT YOUR CONFIRMATION. Yeah, really charming. F*ck you Facebook, and Google (for even allowing these kinds of permissions on a phone).
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 02:34:05 +0000
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