Until a few years ago, any app you installed on an Android device could see all other apps on your phone without your permission.

Until a few years ago, any app you installed on an Android device could see all other apps on your phone without your permission.

Since 2022, with Android 11, Google removed this access from app developers. Under their new package visibility policy, apps should only see other installed apps if it’s essential to their core functionality. Developers must also explicitly declare these apps in the AndroidManifest.xml file - a required configuration file for all Android apps.

So I downloaded a few dozen Indian apps I could think of on top of my head and started reading their manifest files. Surely they will be respectful of my privacy and will only query apps essential to their app’s core functionality? 🙃

  • jagged_circle@feddit.nlEnglish
    1·
    3 days ago

    The worst part about Android is that I, as the owner of the device, can’t deny permissions to apps at this granular of a level.

    There should be a setting for enabling or disabling every single system call under the “advanced” permissions menu for each app.

    SE Linux my ass.

  • A_norny_mousse@feddit.orgEnglish
    1·
    4 days ago

    Android & Googleverse is a cancer that permeates way more than just the OS or browser.

    May I ask what phone OS you use if not Android or Android based?

    Also, could you explain what the “different Indias” are?

  • Imgonnatrythis@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1·
    4 days ago

    Seems like a simple 5 app limit on what developers can query should be sufficient. Also seems like this should be something users should be allowed to disable completely - at worst you can an error when an app can’t locate a dependency. I admit to not knowing about this and find the vulnerability disturbing.