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> you didn't have to ask users for permissions to access contacts, sms, SD card and other data

This isn't true. Android 6.0 introduced runtime permissions, where permissions could be granted in the context of the application. Previously, the permissions still had to be granted, but they were granted before the application was installed.

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You get asked when you install the app but nobody looks at that huge list of permissions, especially if not accepting means you don't get to use the app

There's a huge difference between apps being able to do stuff without ever asking permission and apps asking permission but users choosing to ignore it and just say yes to everything.

While I agree with permission overload at install time, users pay more attention when permission prompts come up one at a time at first-use. It also gives the app a reason to stagger in permissions only when the feature is used, lest the user loses interest and drops off.

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