Help Apps Need So Much Data?

[kstuffer]

I've been browsing around in the app store and noticed that a lot of the apps need some personal data in order to run. It makes me feel uneasy.

For example for launcher pro, it will have access to:

my messages (read gmail, sms)
personal information (read contact data)
storage (my sd card)
services that cost you money(directly call phone numbers)


anyone else feel the same way?

 

[kstuffer]

bump

 

[Fabolous]

Not sure about all apps, but usually there's a reason for all those permissions needed. For example, LauncherPro:

-Needs access to your messaging since it can display unread counters in its dock

-needs to read your contact data since you can set shortcuts to your contacts in your dock

-needs sd storage since it can make a backup of your homescreen arrangement to your card

-need to directly dial phone numbers since you can make shortcuts to directly dial a contact


If you don't trust an app, take a look through its comments, or just don't download it.