Understanding App Permission Risks
Many mobile applications request permissions that go beyond their core functionality. Fitness apps may track location constantly. Simple utilities might request microphone access. Family monitoring apps can provide extensive surveillance capabilities.
These permission risks are well-documented and affect millions of users.
This guide is particularly important for:
- Those in sensitive personal situations
- People handling confidential information
- Privacy-conscious individuals
- Anyone concerned about data security
- Users wanting to understand their digital footprint
The Horrifying Truth About App Permissions
Every time you tap “Allow” on an app permission, you’re potentially giving away:
- Your exact location 24/7
- Every photo and video on your phone
- All your text messages and calls
- Your entire contact list
- Live audio from your microphone
- Live video from your camera
- Your complete browsing history
And once given, this access often continues forever—even when you’re not using the app.
Real-World Permission Abuse Cases
Monitoring Apps and Privacy Concerns
Family monitoring and tracking apps, while marketed for safety, can be misused for unauthorized surveillance:
- Real-time location tracking
- Message and email monitoring
- Call recording capabilities
- Photo and video access
- Social media monitoring
- Remote device control
Case Example: There have been documented cases where monitoring apps installed during relationships continued to track individuals after separation, leading to serious privacy violations and safety concerns.
Advanced Surveillance Software
Sophisticated spyware tools have been documented in use globally:
- Zero-click installation methods
- Complete device access capabilities
- Call and message interception
- Remote camera and microphone activation
Documented targets have included:
- Journalists and their sources
- Legal professionals
- Political figures
- Civil society members
Corporate Data Collection Practices
Major companies have faced scrutiny for data collection:
- Social media apps accessing call and text logs
- Ride-sharing apps tracking users beyond service use
- Weather apps sharing location data with third parties
- Many apps containing undisclosed data collection tools
The Most Dangerous Permissions
1. Location Permission
Common requesters: Navigation, weather, social media, games, utilities Privacy concerns:
- Unauthorized tracking possibilities
- Movement pattern analysis
- Data broker sales of location history
- Inference of home, work, and routine locations
Best practice: Grant “While Using App” only when necessary, deny for apps that don’t need location
2. Microphone Permission
Common requesters: Communication apps, social media, games, utilities Privacy concerns:
- Potential for ambient recording
- Sensitive conversation capture
- Audio pattern analysis
- Background listening capabilities
Best practice: Grant only to communication apps when needed
3. Camera (EXTREME DANGER)
Who wants it: Most apps claim they need it Real danger:
- Secret photos/videos of you and family
- Capture documents and screens
- Facial recognition tracking
- Blackmail material
Protection: Only allow for camera app itself
4. Contacts (HIGH DANGER)
Who wants it: Social media, messaging, games Real danger:
- Exposes your entire social network
- Enables targeted harassment
- Reveals protected identities
- Facilitates social engineering
Protection: Never share with social media or games
5. Storage/Files (HIGH DANGER)
Who wants it: Almost every app Real danger:
- Access all photos/videos
- Read sensitive documents
- Steal financial records
- Copy personal data
Protection: Carefully limit to apps that truly need it
URGENT: Check Your Phone NOW
For iPhone Users
Right now, do this:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
- Tap each category (Location, Camera, Microphone, etc.)
- For EACH app listed, ask: “Does this REALLY need this permission?”
- If no, toggle it OFF immediately
- For Location: Change “Always” to “Never” or “While Using App”
Red Alert Apps to Check:
- Any app you didn’t install yourself
- “Security” or “family” apps
- Apps from ex-partners or family
- Work-installed apps
- Apps you don’t recognize
For Android Users
Right now, do this:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Permission Manager
- Tap each permission type
- Review EVERY app with access
- Tap suspicious apps → Deny permission
- Uninstall apps you don’t recognize
Critical: Check for Device Admin apps: Settings → Security → Device Admin Apps These have TOTAL control - remove any you don’t recognize!
Stalkerware: The Hidden Epidemic
How to Know If You’re Being Monitored
Warning signs:
- Phone battery drains quickly
- Phone gets hot when not in use
- Unexpected data usage
- Strange texts with symbols
- Apps you didn’t install
- Settings change on their own
- Abuser knows things they shouldn’t
What Stalkerware Can Do
- Track location in real-time
- Read every message and email
- See all photos/videos
- Record calls and surroundings
- Log every keystroke
- Access passwords
- Control phone remotely
If You Suspect Stalkerware
DO NOT immediately remove it - this can escalate violence
Instead:
- Document everything (screenshots, photos)
- Contact domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Get a safety plan before taking action
- Consider getting a new “safe” phone
- Only remove stalkerware as part of safety plan
Government & Advanced Threats
Zero-Click Attacks
Pegasus and similar spyware can infect phones without ANY interaction:
- Through missed WhatsApp calls
- Via iMessage exploits
- Through mobile networks
- No app installation needed
Who’s At Risk
- Journalists and sources
- Human rights activists
- Political dissidents
- Lawyers working sensitive cases
- Anyone who challenges power
Protection Measures
- Restart phone daily (breaks some spyware)
- Update iOS/Android immediately
- Use airplane mode when possible
- Consider separate devices for sensitive work
- Use Signal with disappearing messages
Emergency Action Plan
If You’re In Immediate Danger
-
Document First
- Screenshot suspicious apps
- Note strange behaviors
- Save evidence safely
-
Get Help
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Coalition Against Stalkerware: stopstalkerware.org
- Local women’s shelter
-
Secure Communications
- Get a new phone unknown to abuser
- Use friend’s phone for sensitive calls
- Create new accounts on safe device
-
Physical Safety
- Have escape plan ready
- Tell trusted friends
- Keep important documents accessible
Practical Protection Steps
Daily Security Routine (5 minutes)
Morning Check:
- Check battery usage for unusual apps
- Look for apps you don’t recognize
- Review recent permission requests
- Notice any strange behaviors
Weekly Review (Sundays):
- Settings → Privacy → Check all permissions
- Uninstall unused apps
- Update all apps and OS
- Check for security alerts
Safe App Practices
Before Installing ANY App:
- Ask: Do I really need this?
- Check: Who made this app?
- Read: Recent reviews mentioning privacy
- Deny: All permissions initially
- Grant: Only essential permissions one by one
Red Flags - Don’t Install If:
- Asks for admin/accessibility permissions
- Wants “all files” access
- Requests unrelated permissions
- Has few downloads or reviews
- Developer is unknown
- Claims to “monitor” or “track”
Alternative Safe Apps
Instead of mainstream apps, consider:
Messaging: Signal (not WhatsApp) Email: ProtonMail (not Gmail) Browser: Firefox Focus (not Chrome) Maps: OpenStreetMap (not Google Maps) Photos: Simple Gallery (not Google Photos) Notes: Standard Notes (not Google Keep)
The Permission Rules for Survival
NEVER Grant These Combinations:
- Flashlight + Location (it’s spyware)
- Game + Microphone (it’s listening)
- Calculator + Contacts (it’s harvesting)
- Wallpaper + Camera (it’s watching)
- Any app + Accessibility (unless you’re disabled and need it)
ALWAYS Suspicious:
- Apps requiring login with phone number
- “Free” apps with no clear business model
- Apps pushing for immediate permission grants
- Updates that add permission requests
- Apps that punish permission denial
For Specific Threats
Escaping Domestic Abuse
- Assume your phone is compromised
- Use shelter/library computers for planning
- Get new phone with new number
- Never link new phone to old accounts
- Keep old phone active to avoid suspicion
Activist/Journalist Security
- Use separate phone for sensitive work
- Enable lockdown mode (iOS) when at risk
- Disable biometrics at borders/protests
- Use Signal with disappearing messages
- Regular security audits
General Privacy
- Permissions: Deny by default
- Location: Always set to “Never” or “While Using”
- Microphone/Camera: Only for calls
- Contacts: Never for social media
- Review monthly, prune aggressively
Your Rights and Resources
Know This:
- You have the right to privacy
- You have the right to safety
- Technology should protect, not harm you
- You’re not paranoid—the threat is real
Get Help:
- Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233
- Stalkerware Coalition: stopstalkerware.org
- EFF Surveillance Self-Defense: ssd.eff.org
- Privacy Rights: privacyrights.org
- Cyber Civil Rights: cybercivilrights.org
The Bottom Line
Every app permission is a door into your private life. Most apps are designed to exploit these doors for profit, control, or surveillance. Your safety depends on keeping these doors locked.
Three rules to live by:
- Deny first, grant only if essential
- Review permissions monthly
- When in doubt, delete the app
Remember: It’s better to miss out on an app’s features than to compromise your safety. Your life is more important than convenience.
Take control now. Your future self will thank you.