Ask HN: Why does Facebook for Android want to read my texts?

7 points by rudyrigot 12y ago ↗ HN

I usually passively accept changes in app permissions during app updates on my Android, but when they come from a company known to like your personal information a bit too much, it catches my attention...

Does anyone know why Facebook's latest upgrade requests new permissions such as: * read your text messages * add / modify calendar events and send e-mails to guests without host's knowledge, read calendar events plus confidential information, read your own contact card

I haven't updated it yet, probably will anyway; but if someone has some insider's information about why they suddenly need that kind of stuff, it should be interesting to know...

3 comments

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bmelton 12y ago ↗

Might have something to do with this?

http://www.complex.com/tech/2013/01/facebook-messager-app-up...

I honestly don't know. There's been some chatter about Facebook Messenger listening in on your phone calls, and/or requesting access to your phone's microphone, but that information is from very dubious sources.

eco 12y ago ↗

Facebook has a page they maintain that describes why they request the permissions they do.

https://www.facebook.com/help/210676372433246

arbales 12y ago ↗

Apps have different reasons for accessing SMS messages: confirming phone numbers via SMS, SMS bridging like previous versions of Messenger or Hangouts, etc.

The link eco posted is the right place for everything else.