Why do apps need permissions for phone calls

[jcu123]

Does anyone know why some apps that have nothing to do with phone calls need access for phone calls. Acar, USA Facts, Vancouver Olympic Games, some traffic apps are examples. Are they safe?

Thanks for any info.

 

[NeverEndingXsin]

It really depends on the app. Make sure before you download stuff to check the rating and read some of the comments and not just the first 3 but more than that and if you see bad comments about it making calls or something then you shouldn't get it

Hope that helps

 

[Mr Steve]

I'd assume that if you're using an app and a phone call comes in that the app needs to be aware of this in order to allow you to answer the call.

Google Maps has a permisson to "read phone state & identity", as does Pandora, Shazam, Kayak, Google Sky Map, etc.

Folks would be a bit upset if they couldn't receive phone call on their mobile phone. :icon_ devil:

 

[takeshi]

Does anyone know why some apps that have nothing to do with phone calls need access for phone calls. Acar, USA Facts, Vancouver Olympic Games, some traffic apps are examples. Are they safe?

Have you read the details on the apps you're asking about? Usually there's a link to the developer's web site which may have more detailed information on the app.

As mentioned above, an app may need phone state/identity information and not necessarily access to calls.