Starbucks app can take photos and video at will

[defacto7]

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.

[hlthe2b]

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

I don't even allow Starbucks to access location.

[defacto7]

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

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]

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

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]

8. Smart moves.

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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

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.