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why does Firefox for Android require so many permissions?

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  • 2 have this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by b0nn13

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The Firefox homepage is constantly broadcasting privacy incentives and ways we can donate to improve a free web, yet they need the permission to access my camera, mic, files and so on in exchange for the use of their program? I find this very contradictory, and would love to hear more from Firefox. I understand that certain permissions are necessary but i find the request for these things to be intrusive and upsetting when it's coming from a company that pats itself on the back when it comes to privacy and the fight for a free and open Internet.

Please at least provide the option to turn permissions that aren't necessary for the operation of Firefox on Android, off. Camera and mic, are not integral parts of my web search past time and therefore, i don't believe they are any of the Mozilla corporations interest either.

If there are ways to get back some of the privacy taken away by these requests using Android, as i understand getting away from all these permissions from every app is futile.. Please let me know. Maybe an app that retains some of these permissions, or blocks access to apps from accessing then? If there are suggestions out there I'm open to suggestions, thank you.

The Firefox homepage is constantly broadcasting privacy incentives and ways we can donate to improve a free web, yet they need the permission to access my camera, mic, files and so on in exchange for the use of their program? I find this very contradictory, and would love to hear more from Firefox. I understand that certain permissions are necessary but i find the request for these things to be intrusive and upsetting when it's coming from a company that pats itself on the back when it comes to privacy and the fight for a free and open Internet. Please at least provide the option to turn permissions that aren't necessary for the operation of Firefox on Android, off. Camera and mic, are not integral parts of my web search past time and therefore, i don't believe they are any of the Mozilla corporations interest either. If there are ways to get back some of the privacy taken away by these requests using Android, as i understand getting away from all these permissions from every app is futile.. Please let me know. Maybe an app that retains some of these permissions, or blocks access to apps from accessing then? If there are suggestions out there I'm open to suggestions, thank you.

Chosen solution

hi, unfortunately this is a result of the shortcomings of the permission model on android. until recently each app had to request all permissions it might use in some situations upfront. this only changes in android 6.0 where you can revoke permissions & apps can request a particular permission only once it is needed: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6270602

all the purpose of the single permissions of firefox for android is explained under How does Firefox for Android use the permissions it requests?

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Chosen Solution

hi, unfortunately this is a result of the shortcomings of the permission model on android. until recently each app had to request all permissions it might use in some situations upfront. this only changes in android 6.0 where you can revoke permissions & apps can request a particular permission only once it is needed: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6270602

all the purpose of the single permissions of firefox for android is explained under How does Firefox for Android use the permissions it requests?

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Thank you Philipp! Exactly what i was curious about.