Understanding Permissions for Flashlight App Installation

Question:

When a mobile device user is installing a simple flashlight app. The app requests several permissions during installation. Which permission is legitimate?

Answer:

Among the permissions listed, "view network connections" is a legitimate permission for a flashlight app to request. This permission allows the app to check if there is an active internet connection so that it can show ads or offer updates if necessary.

Explanation:

View network connections is a legitimate permission for a flashlight app to request because it enables the app to determine if there is an available internet connection. This is important for functionalities such as displaying ads or checking for updates. Having this permission allows the app to enhance user experience by providing relevant information when internet access is needed.

On the other hand, permissions like "modify or delete contents of USB storage," "change system display settings," and "test access to protected storage" may not be necessary for a simple flashlight app. These permissions could raise privacy and security concerns as they involve accessing sensitive data or making changes to system settings that are unrelated to the app's basic functionality.

It is crucial for users to understand the permissions requested by an app during installation and evaluate whether they are justified based on the app's intended features. Granting unnecessary permissions could potentially expose personal data or compromise device security.