“Allow Access” is the Downfall of Privacy
Granting more permissions than the installed app needs, puts your privacy in danger. Those permissions should be managed and taken seriously to protect your data.
By Nur Masarwa * January 30, 2023 * 4 minutes read
Upon installing apps on phones, they may request permissions more than they need to function, such as microphone, contacts, calls, location, camera and so many more. When users click on “allow”, it means they give the app the permission to use sensitive and personal data.
Here is a breakdown of some permissions:
Calendar: allows apps to read, edit or delete personal events.
Calls Logs: allows apps to read and write phone call log.
Camera: allows apps to take photos and record videos.
Contacts: allows apps to access, edit, and delete contact information on the device.
Location: allows apps to access GPS.
Phone: allows apps to make and manage phone calls.
SMS: allows apps to send and view messages.
Photos and Videos: allows apps to access photos and videos.
Files and Media: allows app to access anything stored on phone’s memory.
Why do we still click on “allow” or “link account” on social media even though it leverages the privacy of data and device?
Everything begins with convenience. Apps encourage consumers to do what they want by using one-click option. This option makes everything more convenient and fast to do without knowing that this method has a hidden and dangerous cost. Developers go beyond linking social media using one click, they also give an option of “one-click” purchases by saving credit card details on computer and social media (Nahai, 2012).
Behind “allow” or “sign up” or “sync” wording, there are cognitive and psychological games. According to Nahai (2012), providing a clear , direct, and simple action, lowers the cognitive load and increases the conversion rate. This happens because our mental operation and making decisions are based on two cognitive systems; system 1 operates automatically with no effort and unconsciously , while system 2 is responsible for effortful and complex mental activities (Kahneman, 2011). Using simple words in a large size, targets the automatic decision-making system (Kahneman, 2011).
Learn more: How smartphone apps track users and share data
Things do not stop there; app developers and businesses target customers’ psychology to get them to do what they want to do. “Allow access” or “sign up” or “link account” appear normally in blue because it represents trust, calmness, reassuring, and security (Singh & Srivastava, 2011). In addition, developers make a good use of Fitts Law. Human computer Interaction (HCI) and Usability are major concepts that are related to system development and effectiveness to meet users’ necessities (Issa & Isaias, 2022). Fitts Law is a Mathematical description that was published in 1950 by the American psychologist Paul Fitts (MacKenzie, 1995). It focuses on the time that it takes to move a pointer or a hand to an object taking into consideration the distance and size of the object (MacKenzie, 1995). Therefore, the location of a button or targeted content or size impacts the usability. Users react faster by clicking or tapping if the target is big and close in distance (Nahai, 2012).
Remember, allow only the things the app requires to function
Therefore, the bottom line is that users should consider managing the permissions on their phones and apps so they do not fall into such traps. In order to do so, check the app safety prior installing it and check your phone settings under permissions manager tab. As app developers, users should be asked to share data permission, so they use the app comfortably, grant end-to-end encryption and promise a greater privacy (Nahai, 2012).
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Issa, T., & Isaias, P. (2022). Usability and Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). In Sustainable Design: HCI, Usability and Environmental Concerns (pp. 23-40). London: Springer London.
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York; New York: Farrer, Strauss and Giroux.
MacKenzie, I. S. (1995). Movement time prediction in human-computer interfaces. In Readings in human–computer interaction (pp. 483-493). Morgan Kaufmann.
Nahai, N. (2012). Webs of Influence: the psychology of online persuasion. Pearson UK.
Singh, N., & Srivastava, S. K. (2011). Impact of colors on the psychology of marketing—A Comprehensive over view. Management and Labour Studies, 36(2), 199-209.