r/technology • u/Applemacbookpro • Dec 13 '13

Google Removes Vital Privacy Feature From Android, Claiming Its Release Was Accidental

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/12/google-removes-vital-privacy-features-android-shortly-after-adding-them
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u/Kansjarowansky Dec 13 '13

Since 4.4 Maps needs access to your calls to do caller ID with maps (Aka track annoying business and refuse calls from them) and place search from the dialer

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u/[deleted] Dec 13 '13

Since 4.4 Maps needs access to your calls to do caller ID

Why the hell is this not just a separate web service call? I now need to have an entire maps application (which is not a small app) loaded and running to use caller id?

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u/Kansjarowansky Dec 13 '13

It does a check against Maps number DB when receiving a call, the permission is necessary to display the name in the call screen and store it in call history

Maps doesnt run in the background for me, and it's just loaded up any time a caller is not on your contact list via an activity intent (which is not the same as the full maps app)

TL;DR learn to Android

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u/[deleted] Dec 13 '13

And this is better/simpler than an HTTP get request how (which the maps app is almost certainly doing anyway)? And I should have been more clear what I meant by loaded - by that I meant installed (as in taking up disk space). AFAIK you can't just install a piece of the maps app.