Owning a smartphone can be one of the best ways to use the internet on the go even when you’re not home. This can also be an excellent way to keep the kids busy in the car by giving them fun apps to play on. However, some of you may have noticed your smartphone will ask you to give it permission to access photos and media files.
Your smartphone may ask you to grant it permission to access these files. All of your pictures are saved as files on your phone, and for most apps, it needs permission to use some of these files. Most of the media gets stored the same way on your phone. If an app needs one of the files, it will ask you to agree to give them access.
Some newer smartphones may have changed their security systems to something more modern and more advanced. However, you will always want to know what you are agreeing to before saying yes. On the first page of the app, where you see the install button, it will tell you the files it needs and what you agree to. Reading the terms and conditions is one of the most important things to do for your own security.
Is Letting Your Phone App Have Access to Your Photos Safe?
Owning a phone, of course, comes with risks. One of the risks being that your information is stored in your phone, and some apps will request permission to have access. If these apps get hacked, so does your information. This is with any online app or website you use. For the most part, these apps are safe and will not leak any information.
However, that is not always the case. There are a few instances where apps and owners of companies get hacked, and therefore their customers do too. Since the beginning of phones, computers, and any smart devices, many changes have occurred, and one of the most significant changes is in safety. Smartphone apps are safe to use, but if you do not feel comfortable with it, you should delete it.
What Can Happen When You Grant Permission
If you download an app that is not legit and give it permission, some bad things may happen. If you give it permission, it is all within the rights of what you agreed to. It is so important to read exactly what the app has access to and also to make sure it is a safe app to use.
• Cameras- Even if you’re not on the app, they can turn on your cameras and record what is going on around you. This is an invasion of privacy that you may or may not have agreed to. Most applications will not do this unless you’re using the camera, but some may take advantage of this to record you.
• Videos- Certain apps may take videos without notifying you. They may save them and share them without your knowledge, and this is one of the reasons it is important to read carefully what the app does.
• Uploading- After taking videos or photos, it may upload them to a website immediately without your known consent. It may be listed in the terms and conditions, or it may do it because you allowed the app to have access.
• Speakers- An app can access all media files after giving it permission, including the speakers. So be careful what you say! There has been no evidence of actual phones listening in and recording conversations, but this does not mean the apps you are using are not listening.
There may be other ways that an app can use your information. Depending on the app will also depend on what it will do with your camera and media files. There are times when it could run facial recognition software to run real-time reports on you or someone around you. Creepy!
Most applications will never take advantage of the permissions because they want you as a loyal customer. If they can find what you like and create marketing specifically for you, they may make a lot of money. Most of the information gathered is used for marketing purposes in the future. It is worth it for the app to respect your privacy and not do anything that would be considered shady. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful.
Can A Company Use Your Photos That You Don’t Know About?
If an app takes your photo without you knowing it, they can get in considerable trouble! Because of this reason, many apps do not do anything scandalous and can be trusted within reason. If you found a selfie online without your consent, you could take that company to court. Applications will never use your pictures unless they are not legitimate. When you give permission to an app, it is usually for media files but nothing that could take and own from you.
How Can You Stay Safe?
The number one way to be safe is to be sure you know what you’re downloading. Read as many reviews as possible. If you see a lot with negative comments about it running all of the time or accessing photos, you may want to stay away from that application. If there are no reviews and something seems off about it, there is a big chance something is not right, and you should not download it.
If you need an app on your phone, another way of protecting yourself is by using a camera cover. They now sell little covers that slide open and close. The covers sit on the top of your camera. When you want to take a selfie or a picture, you uncover the camera and take one. It gives you freedom without putting yourself at riww sk.
Lastly, you can keep safe by turning off permissions. This could cause an entire app to stop working or running properly. However, if you do not feel safe or comfortable with it, it may be for the best. There are options to only allow certain apps you trust to have permissions, and that can help your phone or tablet stay secure.
Are Phones Spying on Us?
When you allow permission, it really is allowing someone else to have access to your information. They may not be able to use it for selling purposes, but that does not mean they can’t see what is going on in your life. Creating phone apps and letting us give companies permission is almost like spying on our everyday lives.
Once you give apps permission, they absorb your information and share it. No, the apps will not take your pictures and sell them. However, they will take in all of your other information. This is part of the reason we now have personalized ads. Your phone is a spy, and you agreed to it.
Final Thoughts
Nothing in this world is perfect. There are times when we think we need an application and download it. We never realize the consequences of giving that app permission. Most times, apps are safe to use and will be reasonable with the information they acquire. This could make you feel uncomfortable, and it probably should.
Phone apps are some of the greatest joys in life, and when it is a safe application, it is reasonable to allow it to have permissions. If you are uncomfortable with it, you can go into your settings and turn it off, which may make the app stop working. The most important take away is to dread everything you agree to.