Tell HN: Google does not list application permissions in the Play Store any more

Article summary

Google has removed the list of application permissions from the Play Store, making it difficult for users to know what permissions an app requires before installing it. This change has been implemented and reverted before, and it seems that not all users were affected by it initially. The permissions are still requested at runtime, but some users are concerned about not being able to review them before installing an app. This change affects how users make informed decisions about which apps to install.

Main themes

• App permissions
• User consent
• Play Store changes
• Transparency and trust
• Android security
• Informed decision making

What commenters say

• Removing permission lists from the Play Store makes it harder for users to make informed decisions about app installations.
• The current system of requesting permissions at runtime is sufficient for user consent.
• Hiding permission information can lead to users unknowingly granting unnecessary permissions to apps.
• Some users prefer to review an app's permissions before installing, and this change takes away that option.
• The new data safety section in the Play Store may provide some information about app permissions, but it is not a replacement for the original permission list.
• Automated systems should respect user preferences and not remove permissions without explicit user consent.
• Users should be able to deny certain permissions, such as network access or run at startup, before installing an app.
• The lack of transparency about app permissions can lead to mistrust and frustration among users.