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Comment by deltaqueue | Hacker News Reader

An "Ask HN" that's somewhat related:

Is Facebook doing something similar on Android? I have left an application update pending for weeks because Facebook requires access to Phone Calls, which allows the application to "determine the phone number and serial number of this phone, whether a call is active, the number that call is connected to and the like."

This does not sit well with me.

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I also don't allow any app requiring those details (unless they are needed obviously, like VoIP), but I think what most companies want is the unique serial number, so they can keep a track of how many unique devices are used by them. But since Android does not gives permission at more granular level, I simply don't install any such app, or don't upgrade one which ask for it.

As for Facebook, I am using Tinfoil for Facebook app (It is a website wrapper, essentially). It was faster than whatever app Facebook managed to write.

> Tinfoil for Facebook

And Tinfoil is better integrated with the Android system than the official Facebook app. Click a Facebook link in an app or browser - you'll get Tinfoil as an option to view the link but not the official app.

What a brilliant name! We need a tinfoil chrome extension.

Check if PDroid is available for the ROM you use, it allows you to choose which permissions to allow for each app. I've blocked Facebook access to the GPS and Contacts using PDroid.

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