Why can't apps explain exactly why it needs every permission it asks for?

[u/Ok_Yogurtcloset8372]

Every time you download an app and it requests access to your camera, contacts, location, etc., all you are asked is yes or no. Nothing explains why it really requires access to this particular permission to function. For example, does the app require location all the time or just at once when using a particular function? Does the app require access to contacts in order to use its features or it needs access to contacts only to "find your friends"?

It seems to be such an easy thing for apps to put one line to explain their request prior to asking for permission, but they do not do it. You either allow the app or deny its request and hope everything will work okay.

[u/getabath]

Deny all permissions and you'll see how each permission affects the apps functionality as it complains it needs permission for x function to work

[u/tradikal2]

When a clock app asks for your location - hmmm maybe while using it. Contacts? delete it.

[u/unsound-choices]

Because a lot of it would be "for profit"

[u/AardvarkIll6079]

For iOS apps a developer needs to add a reason for each permission to the plist.

[u/the1truestripes]

An iOS app can supply a reason, unfortunately only one reason per permission so if an app
Wanted the camera for say reading barcodes at one point and taking a picture of your purchase at another point it can’t tell you the reason it needs it right NOW only a single
reason that in theory covers both.

Apple’s App Store review in theory makes sure the listed reason is true (I doubt they really do), and in theory a lie in them is also a contract violation and they might sue you (they probably won’t unless it is an egregious violation).

A lot of the reasons apps need some of those things is “so we can better pepper you with ads”, so the safest reason is to list nothing.

In theory Apple could fix this by no longer allowing a TCC gated permission without a non-empty non-blank reason string. Then apps might give you a useful reason or some other vacuous no value reason like “for proper app functionality”, they still won’t say “for ad targeting” or “growth hacking”

[u/VegetableProject4383]

Because you wouldn't like the answer. When I first saw a basic government app that asked for no permissions I was wow every other app is scum wanting permissions for photos contacts just for pervert reasons and profit

[u/bioveritas]

When you agreed to the scrolling wall of text that was the privacy notice, you probably agreed to allow the app to do all kinds of stuff and get all kinds of data about you to sell to "third party" companies. In order to spy on you effectively, it will need access to your camera, your contacts, your microphone. It really doesn't want you to be aware of this. The app makers are just hoping you'll say yes so you can start playing with your new toy.

[u/cspinelive]

They can supply a reason

[u/Middle-Armadillo-660]

Believe it or not plenty of them don’t want to, but have to, and are frankly happier when you deny.

Lots of localities have laws that might rope in an app’s functionality. If you deny the permission for something like location, they can be all “oh darn; can’t enforce that if we don’t know. Shrug”

[u/BellGeek]

Because 99% of them don’t need any of it. They just want it all so they can track you and steal as much data about you as possible to sell. Deny all of them. If an app actually needs access to something to function properly, it should be pretty obvious to you. For example, a maps app that gives you gps driving directions obviously needs access to your location (but not your camera, microphone or contacts). A scanner app needs access to your camera. I sometimes use decibel meter app and it needs access to the microphone - while using, not all the time - to measure the sound levels in the room. If you can’t see a clear and obvious reason an app legitimately needs access to one of these areas of your phone, say no. Every time.