Facebook Messenger App Invades Privacy: Google Android & Apple iOS Store Forces Users to Allow Camera & Microphone Access
The Facebook Messenger app has caused quite a stir on the Internet lately as Facebook is now requiring mobile users to download the app before they can see or send messages. Although not all users have experienced the problem, it will soon find its way to rollout for all mobile users who wish to use the messaging service.
Facebook mobile users were notified on Wednesday that the app would now be needed for the messaging features. Many found the permission requirements to be too invasive with the forced adoption, especially with the app's Android version. According to one Huffington Post article, the social media giant "pushed this too far."
In its defense, Facebook said that the concerns over the app are "based on misinformation" and "overblown." The company also pointed the blame to Android and its rigid policy permissions that mean that Facebook does not get to write its own requirements.
Instead, apps for the mobile operating system must follow the generic language as provided. Facebook explained in an article it wrote that the actual use of the app and its real policies do not necessarily reflect how it is intended to be used on Android. Furthermore, it quoted the same article on Huffington Post as well, saying that it was outdated.
According to the company's statement, the language used by Google for Android app permissions has recently changed, making the app sound more invasive than intended. Following what is said in the required permissions, the user allows the app to use the camera and microphone anytime and even make calls without the knowledge of the device's owner.
The social media app also said that it has more control over the language of the permission requirements in the App Store for Apple's iOS version that handles downloads and processes differently.
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