Facebook new app update let them record sound & video from your phone, at any time, without your con

For me this is where they stepped over the line. Facebook came out with an app update today on Android and when I looked at the new permissions this version request over the previous ones, I noticed that by updating, you consent to let Facebook use your microphone and record with your camera anytime, without your confirmation. I know I won't be updating, but how many millions will?

Picture from my Android TV box: (same thing was asked on my phone)
*snip*

wow i'm so glad i don't have a cell phone

Two words Mr. Z.:
Bite me.

That's insanely twisted... What's the betting the CIA have a stake in FB (or at least a legally binding order against the company stating full access rights are to be available at all times)..?

Apparently there's a joke running in the intelligence services - at least in England - that there is no need to spy on people any more, as the people simply tell everyone what they're up to all the time anyway, via FB and Twitter.

Seems that 'they' really can access anything, anywhere nowadays. I will be deleting the FB app from my (thankfully old, non-smart) mobile phone; though I suppose there's a chance they've already got me to agree to such terms in the last update, which I applied to the phone when I bought it second-hand, back in November 2012.

reply to post by MrMaybeNot


What about the top one also? Allows them to delete your sd card without permission also?

Wow am I glad I am not a facebooker!! Me loves ATS too much!!

reply to post by MrMaybeNot


Because you can take a pic using the app? Because you can create audio using the app? Turn the app off when not in use or don't use the app?

reply to post by FlyInTheOintment


I don't know about iOS and other phones but this audio & video recording permission was added in today's update.

I no longer have a "smart phone" or a regular facebook account. I noticed the same thing when I had facebook on my old smartphone,.. actually I threw the phone out the window and haven't had a smartphone since. Basically you are giving facebook permission to know every move you make, and person you are in contact regardless of if you are signed into facebook or not. Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if Facebook is just another Secret Gov't Tool to watch and monitor us. Facebook/Big Brother is watching you!...... welcome to 1984!

Originally posted by scottlpool2003
reply to post by MrMaybeNot

 

Because you can take a pic using the app? Because you can create audio using the app? Turn the app off when not in use or don't use the app?

Again, they're asking for your permission to record audio & video at any time, without your confirmation. This is word for word. Of course they will sell it to you for a new cool feature, but you still gave them the right to record you at any time, without any kind of input from you or any confirmation it is doing it. Unless you force quit the app on Android, it always sits in the background to update your notifications.

reply to post by MrMaybeNot


Thanks for posting this, it just goes to show how pervasive Facebook has become. I joined in 2007 and it was a really cool site at that time, but since then it has become Big Brother's best friend. I have no doubt this was the end goal from day one, I just didn't know it then. Their cute little "Like" button has now infected the internet like a cancer that I wish I could destroy.

I logged into FB a few days ago, first time since 30 Nov last year, and it took ages to load with all the ads and God knows what else was loading (I have to use IE as my Firefox will not load at all, even when I allow all my security addons to run FB). I'm seriously thinking of sending an email to all friends and saying I'm done with it. I hope this BS audio recording etc. isn't integrated into their website now. I unplug my webcam when not in use, so I'm ok with it, but what about the average Joe.

For those of you who want to browse safer, and see where FB is trying to track your web browsing habits, my advice is to try Firefox, then get the following Addons: NoScript, Ghostery and Collusion

NoScript gives you the option to allow any scripts on a webpage to load, before it just automatically does. Ghostery is brilliant in my opinion as it lists all 3rd party tracking cookies and blocks them on webpages, and BOY is FB blocked A LOT! Collusion will show you how all your websites that have been visited are sharing your data.

I also disallow all cookies in FF options, only allow the ones I deem necessary in my exceptions list, like banking.

It's become ridiculous how much BS one has to do nowadays just to browse safely. Anyway, enough of my rambling, thanks for your post OP it is much appreciated. The next thing we will have to worry about is the SMART TV BS and how that is going to affect us.....

You can spin it any way you like but all it says is the app wont ask your permission should you decide to, for example, take a photo directly in app, as opposed to uploading from your Gallery. Likewise with voice. It's called integration. Users don't want to receive an on screen prompt at every button press just because a permission is required. No different from the Camera app opening right up instead of asking you if its ok for the camera to be accessed by the app first. You'll find permissions like this on virtually every Android or iOS app that requires access to those functions. Don't like it? Don't install the app.

Originally posted by threewisemonkeys
You can spin it any way you like but all it says is the app wont ask your permission should you decide to, for example, take a photo directly in app, as opposed to uploading from your Gallery. Likewise with voice. It's called integration. Users don't want to receive an on screen prompt at every button press just because a permission is required. No different from the Camera app opening right up instead of asking you if its ok for the camera to be accessed by the app first. You'll find permissions like this on virtually every Android or iOS app that requires access to those functions. Don't like it? Don't install the app.

Do you have any links / proof / justification for what you just said? If so, please provide.

reply to post by threewisemonkeys


Alright, then you noticed that when you have auto update turned on, some apps still won't update because they're asking for new permissions and it makes you agree to it. In this new version, they're asking for audio and camera control, but I can'f find any new features?

I don't have a facebook anymore either i did but after 18 years of working on computer and yes working for Apple as well for about a year i just don't wanna get on the computer and look at what others are doing
I'd rather go live in the real world thank you very much

and who really needs to know that their best friends sister is cooking and mom is looking at pictures etc etc etc
really people get a life gosh

and don't forget if I have your birthdate address or locality childrens names and birthdays and maybe a little more personal info that most people put out on facebook i can probably figure out your passwords I don't mean everyone but the great majority of people use obvious dates anniversary childrens birthdays so on for passwords

O.K. has nobody heard of echelon (spelling?)

they were actually advertising for listeners in the job center
not long ago.

They had the listening tech years ago you really think they can't use the cams by now??

don't need an app or permission to do it

I'm wondering when they will consider anyone WITHOUT a FB account a terrorist. This is horrible. What's really sad is that most likely, 99% of FB users don't 'get it'. It's amazing that so many have the attitude that this is okay and just accept it as par for the course. And really, it just proves (again) that what started out as an innocent and convenient small website company can become a large, out of control, oppressive agency in bed with TPTB. You just can't trust anyone.

Well then...seeing as how my smartphone came directly with the Android Facebook App and it's always directly beside me, on my night table...I sincerely hope they have had a fabulous earful of my displeasure with the way they handle the world, as well as any moments that should have been private between myself and my husband.
I sincerely hope, should the accusations in the OP be true, that we thoroughly entertained.

Any app that allows you to take video and pictures will ask the same thing...
I guess they are evil as well?

FYI. I dont use fakebook.

All it means is you don't have to give it permission everytime you upload a picture.

One of the new features is send voice messages, so that is why it wants access to the microphone.

It's like internet explorer asking to always run activex controls on a website, or your firewall wanting to know if you want to always grant a program network access.

There is nothing nefarious about it, they aren't recording your phone calls, or taking pictures of you while in the shower.

Originally posted by FlyInTheOintment
Apparently there's a joke running in the intelligence services - at least in England - that there is no need to spy on people any more, as the people simply tell everyone what they're up to all the time anyway, via FB and Twitter

That applies to ATS too.