Android users' privacy is in the spotlightEvery app installed on a mobile phone can be a gateway to accessing private information, from location to photos, conversations, or even banking information. In recent months, several studies and analyses by experts in ciberseguridad have revealed that even the most popular apps They request permits considered dangerous, sometimes unjustifiably and without the user being fully aware of the scope of these privileges.
An investigation conducted by the Which? portal, in collaboration with Hexiosec, put the spotlight on 20 of the most used apps worldwide across multiple categories: social networking, online shopping, smart device management, and messaging services. The results were overwhelming: All of them required potentially risky permits, from access to the microphone and exact location to contacts, the camera, or files stored on the phone.
Why do Android apps request so many dangerous permissions?
The reasons vary depending on the function of each application, but Experts point out that access requests are often excessive.For example, while using WhatsApp to send an audio message or make a call justifies accessing your microphone, it's not always obvious why other apps, such as some shopping or entertainment apps, require information about your location or permissions to view and modify files on your phone.
The most striking case was that of Xiaomi Home, a smart home management app, requested no less than 91 different permissions. This was followed by Samsung SmartThings (82), Facebook (69) and WhatsApp (66). It was also observed that 16 of the 20 apps analyzed attempted to display pop-up windows over other apps., a practice that can be used for advertising tracking or invasive monetization techniques.
From the affected companies, the response is generally similar: permissions are designed to enable useful functions, and the user always has the final say on whether to grant them or not. However, the reality is that Most users accept permissions without reviewing them., turning digital privacy into a bargaining chip in exchange for a false gratuity.
Malware and adware: the dark side of Android app permissions
Beyond excessive permissions, the threat increases when malware and spyware manage to sneak into seemingly legitimate applications. A recent example is SparkKitty, a sophisticated Trojan designed to operate on both Android and iOS, capable of access photos, screenshots, and passwords stored on the device using advanced techniques such as optical character recognition (OCR).
This type of malware It hides in apps that seem safe, such as messaging tools, cryptocurrency platforms, online gambling, or even modified versions of popular apps. Infected apps have sometimes managed to bypass Google Play's filters, proving that even official stores aren't safe from these types of threats.
The main danger lies in the combination of excessive permissions and the ability to remain undetected by the userThe SparkKitty Trojan, for example, requests access to a phone's gallery and files to extract highly sensitive information, which is then sent to servers controlled by cybercriminals. Its reach is international, with attacks documented in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and experts warn that other similar threats may already be active in the Android ecosystem.
Apps that collect data and how they justify themselves to users
Which?'s investigation highlighted apps like TikTok, Temu, and Amazon, which requested permissions that experts considered intrusive. TikTok, for example, asks for access to the device's microphone and files., a decision that has generated some distrust. In response, companies often argue that Privacy and security are built in as standard; they insist that they only collect the data that is strictly necessary or that which the user agrees to share during the initial setup.
Meta —owner of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram— assured after the investigation that None of your apps use the microphone in the background or access it without the user's consentAmazon justified the use of the camera by explaining that it allows users to scan products from their mobile phone, and Temu stated that accessing the location helps them fill out the shipping address correctly. However, The volume of information collected continues to raise doubts about the true scope of digital surveillance. in the daily lives of users.
Key tips to protect your privacy on Android
In the face of these risks, security experts recommend a series of practical measures to minimize the exposure of personal data:
- Download apps exclusively from official stores like Google Play, where the controls are stricter, although not infallible.
- Carefully review the permissions requested by each application. before and after installation. If a request isn't related to the app's features, it's best to deny it.
- Delete apps you don't recognize or that you don't use, especially if they have been downloaded outside the official store.
- Do not store screenshots or photos with sensitive data. on the device or in linked cloud services.
- Use reliable security solutions, keep your operating system updated and be wary of suspicious links or promotions on social media.
Protecting your privacy on Android requires an active and conscious approach. Verifying the origin and reputation of each app, avoiding granting unnecessary permissions, and regularly reviewing installed apps are essential steps to keeping your data safe. The proliferation of dangerous permissions makes protecting personal information a daily challenge, but adopting safe habits can make the difference against potential threats and companies seeking to collect your data without explicit consent.
