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Android Security is Mad

The basic idea seems to be that if the user wants to install random, unaudited software, they can safely do so without worry that the application will steal their contacts, record their voice, or otherwise engage in bad behaviour. What keeps the user safe is the ability to allow or deny an app access to these various resources on a case-by-case basis.

However, the more I focus on this image, the less I'm able to see it. It sounds like I have to imagine a standard phone-user (i.e. a standard person) making on-the-spot sensible decisions where app A gets to use the mic, but not read and write files, while app B gets to read and write files, but not use the mic.

This is madness. Firstly, standard users have no ability to make these decisions. Secondly, the fact that an app needs to use the camera for good reasons doesn't stop the app using the camera for bad reasons.

The Windows model actually feels better - at least if you're grabbing random software from the internet, some level of mistrust is implied, and the user can feel aware that they should be downloading legit and trusted software with a reasonable history of good behaviour.