Open Source and Free Software

defacto7

(13,609 posts) Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:01 PM Jan 2020

Starbucks app can take photos and video at will

Last edited Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:43 PM - Edit history (1)

Before I download an app to my phone I always check the permissions it requires from the system. I have an Android os above 6.0 so I can choose to block permissions I don't want to allow but many phones, maybe most phones, cannot.
I decided to check out the Statbucks app because it's been used by millions for years; I finally gave in. When I checked the permissions, it requires unlimited access to your contacts to read, write and delete as well as the camera to take both photos and video. The Starbucks privacy statement makes the argument that it needs your contacts in case you want to send a gift card. It's a weak argument but at least it's an argument. BUT... it says absolutely nothing about why they would need your camera to take photos and video.

Question: Does anyone have any idea why Starbucks would need to have unlimited access to your camera to take photos or video anytime without your knowledge? I can't.

On edit: the contacts permission default is read only.

8 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Starbucks app can take photos and video at will (Original Post) defacto7 Jan 2020 OP

My iphone app has none of those permissions. They aren't even options. hlthe2b Jan 2020 #1

It's good to know they don't take the permission by default. defacto7 Jan 2020 #5

I use continuous VPN on my cell phone. And, when in doubt I disable both bluetooth and wifi hlthe2b Jan 2020 #6

Smart moves. defacto7 Jan 2020 #8

don't know if it applies here, but... getagrip_already Jan 2020 #2

I didn't think about loading a gift card. defacto7 Jan 2020 #4

Any app that COULD use a camera should be disabled until or unless you want to use it. hlthe2b Jan 2020 #7

I signed in to the public Wi-Fi one day at, Boston Market and dewsgirl Jan 2020 #3

hlthe2b

(106,328 posts)

1. My iphone app has none of those permissions. They aren't even options.

Reply to defacto7 (Original post)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:04 PM

Jan 2020

I don't even allow Starbucks to access location.

defacto7

(13,609 posts)

5. It's good to know they don't take the permission by default.

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #1)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:42 PM

Jan 2020

at install. That's not always the fact. Have you checked the privacy policy for Starbucks? It's an important read like most. Stopping gps tracking is not as fool proof as you may think but you can spoof your location. Otherwise you can just trust them.

hlthe2b

(106,328 posts)

6. I use continuous VPN on my cell phone. And, when in doubt I disable both bluetooth and wifi

Reply to defacto7 (Reply #5)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:52 PM

Jan 2020

in terms of any online tracking. As for any possibility of tracking GPS when inactivated, that really isn't an issue for me in my home community. If I were concerned, I'd leave the phone at home.

defacto7

(13,609 posts)

8. Smart moves.

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #6)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:59 PM

Jan 2020

I just picked up this link. You may already be familiar with it.

Starbucks Privacy Statement

Like most privacy statements the details are most enlightening.

getagrip_already

(17,430 posts)

2. don't know if it applies here, but...

Reply to defacto7 (Original post)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:13 PM

Jan 2020

A lot of apps use your camera to read barcodes and do lookups. You would use it for example if someone gave you a gift card and you wanted to load it into the app by pointing your camera at it.

Again, just an example.

But I'm sure they enjoy the late night pillowtalk with your partner(s)...

defacto7

(13,609 posts)

4. I didn't think about loading a gift card.

Reply to getagrip_already (Reply #2)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:28 PM

Jan 2020

It still seems that this permission should be by individual transaction rather than open ended. I'm not allowing it but I can always open it up if necessary. The default is to allow.

hlthe2b

(106,328 posts)

7. Any app that COULD use a camera should be disabled until or unless you want to use it.

Reply to getagrip_already (Reply #2)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:55 PM

Jan 2020

I think most people never review the apps on their phones--which can access cellular data, which can access GPS, which can refresh in the background even off wifi, which can use the camera. All are important to check ANY time you get an IOS (or android OS update) and certainly anytime you get a new phone.

dewsgirl

(14,964 posts)

3. I signed in to the public Wi-Fi one day at, Boston Market and

Reply to defacto7 (Original post)

Mon Jan 13, 2020, 05:15 PM

Jan 2020

my tablet took a photo. Scared the hell out of me, that was the last time, I ever did anything like that. I have the Wal Mart and Target apps, I imagine they need permissions.

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