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Whatsapp Privacy Intrusion

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AndyB5507

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Feb 15, 2014
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#1
The version of Whatsapp on my S3 expired today. In order to download the new version, I have to authorise them to record audio or video at any time without my permission. This strikes me as absolutely outrageous. What possible reason could they have for jutifying this? If I want to use Whatsapp from now on, I can never be sure that I am having a private conversation (or indeed a private night in bed) again.

Unless anyone knows of a straightforward way around this?
 
#2
AndyB5507 said:
The version of Whatsapp on my S3 expired today. In order to download the new version, I have to authorise them to record audio or video at any time without my permission. This strikes me as absolutely outrageous. What possible reason could they have for jutifying this? If I want to use Whatsapp from now on, I can never be sure that I am having a private conversation (or indeed a private night in bed) again.

Unless anyone knows of a straightforward way around this?
Click to expand...

Where does it say this? Can't see it in Google Play. I know it has audio and video permissions in order for it to work, and should only need to use them when you're actually using WhatsApp for a message, and that is with your permission. Although I don't use this app myself, because I don't know anyone else who uses it
 
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#3
When you go through the screens to update (when I tap on the app it tells me I need to update; i tap on download then update then get the "App permissions" screen, which tells me what Whatsapp needs access to. I tap on the "new" bit under "Hardware Controls" and get:

Record Audio: Allows the app to record audio with the microphone. This permission "allows the app to record audio at any time without your confirmation.

Takes Pictures and Videos: Allows this app to take pictures and videos with the camera. This permission allows the app to use the camera at any time without your confirmation."
 
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#5
It is just so that you can launch the camera (photo or video) from within the App rather than take the photo then add as attachment which, of course, you can do too.

App permissions do sometimes sound sinister but, given the what smart phones can and do monitor & report, you have to weigh up the privacy issues against what the apps do for you. You can uninstall whatsapp and use stock sms but your carrier monitors that. Try email, your service provider monitors that too. I could go on......
 
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