[Discuss] Android privacy

[Jerry Feldman]

On 07/04/2013 06:05 PM, Richard Pieri wrote:
> Shankar Viswanathan wrote:
>> Android apps. In addition to the idea of having a common ad network
>> framework (mentioned elsewhere in this thread), I feel there is
>
> Which Google provides. It's called the Google Mobile Ads SDK.
>
>> another way we could make the permissions work for everyone. Consider
>> a two-tiered permission system consisting of: 1. Required
>
> This won't fly. App developers currently have one set of rules to work 
> within: they request a set of permissions from the software management 
> system. If the user accepts the requirements then the Play Store 
> installs the app. If the user denies the requirements then the 
> application will not be installed at all. Simple.
>
> What you are suggesting is complicated for users who typically don't 
> understand the differences between, say, unlimited network access and 
> unlimited baseband network access. They're going to be confused when 
> the Play Store asks them twice about these permissions thingies when 
> all they want is their Angry Birds or whatever this month's flavor 
> happens to be.
>
> What you are suggesting is complicated for developers who often enough 
> are lazy and unscrupulous. Your proposal introduces at least two 
> different, possibly conflicting, possibly /changing/ environments for 
> every user. It's bad enough that when someone asks for an Android 
> version of an application the initial response is "which Android?" 
> Developers won't bother with optional permissions. It'll be all or 
> nothing. And to be honest? That's the right way to do it from a 
> development and QA perspective even if it is a poor practice.
>
> The unscrupulous ones? They'll figure out ways to game the system 
> regardless of the protections.
>
I tend to agree with Richard here. Basically, radio and TV were fully 
supported by advertising. Most consumers, even those who may know better 
don't bother to really look closely at what they click.

-- 
Jerry Feldman <gaf at blu.org>
Boston Linux and Unix
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