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Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

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61–70 of 263 posts

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#62
I don't understand why internet access isn't opt-in for apps. Preventing exfiltration would prevent much of this harm, and most apps don't have any need to access the internet in the first place. Why am I creating a GE account to read my blood pressure? At least I know it's taking advantage of me. But this is clearly abusive behavior

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#63

I don't understand why internet access isn't opt-in for apps. Preventing exfiltration would prevent much of this harm, and most apps don't have any need to access the internet in the first place. Why am I creating a GE account to read my blood pressure? At least I know it's taking advantage of me. But this is clearly abusive behavior

GrapheneOS lets you restrict the internet access of any app on install.

But yes, agreed it should be everywhere.

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#64

I don't understand why internet access isn't opt-in for apps. Preventing exfiltration would prevent much of this harm, and most apps don't have any need to access the internet in the first place. Why am I creating a GE account to read my blood pressure? At least I know it's taking advantage of me. But this is clearly abusive behavior

[deleted]

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#65
post #63

I don't understand why internet access isn't opt-in for apps. Preventing exfiltration would prevent much of this harm, and most apps don't have any need to access the internet in the first place. Why am I creating a GE account to read my blood pressure? At least I know it's taking advantage of me. But this is clearly abusive behavior

GrapheneOS lets you restrict the internet access of any app on install. But yes, agreed it should be everywhere.

Yeah it asks on app install if you want to grant network permissions. It's just a little checkbox. You can of course manage it afterwards in app settings or permissions manager.

They also added the sensors permission.

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Seems like in general the iPhone was not designed to avoid fingerprinting from installed apps. Only protection would be avoid installing apps and use the web browser when possible.

These days many things don't work on browser. Even reddit is very difficult as we get constant nagging.

Brave blocks those switch to app notices by default.

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#68
One correction to some comments here: an iOS app cannot list all apps that are installed. You can only check for specific apps/schemes (LSApplicationQueriesSchemes) by specifying apps you are looking to query for installation status or open. You cannot provide a large list of unrelated applications since Apple rejects that during app review.

Apple added these restrictions because installed app lists can be used for fingerprinting and privacy invasive profiling.

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#69
post #60

Why does a random app (with no special permissions given to it) get access to so much info, and why doesn't Apple tell users this (important) info? Why can't Apple make a long list of check boxes so users can dis/allow on a per-category and per-app basis? E.g. I had no idea a random app you install (and give no permissions to) instantly has a list of every app installed on the device (e.g. can infer whether you're da…

Of all things, this is where you went?

Re: Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see

#70
post #60

Why does a random app (with no special permissions given to it) get access to so much info, and why doesn't Apple tell users this (important) info? Why can't Apple make a long list of check boxes so users can dis/allow on a per-category and per-app basis? E.g. I had no idea a random app you install (and give no permissions to) instantly has a list of every app installed on the device (e.g. can infer whether you're da…

Of all things, this is where you went?

Okay it's weird but the first thing that came to mind. Logic: if I can think of a monetisable, nefarious application in 10 seconds, then it stands to reason that very many nefarious applications would be possible with more time/effort.
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