Version 2.77 want access to phone contacts

MrSardinelli

I should warn everybody that version 2.77 (Android) asked for a new system permission - access to phone contacts. Prime never asked for contacts and I don't see any reason why it should. Old scanner used them for recruiting, but it's not a case anymore.

Reporting as a bug hoping that permission was requested by error, and it's not an attempt to squeeze last bit of sellable data out of shrinking user base.

InvestigateXM

https://community.ingress.com/en/discussion/16276/version-2-77-want-access-to-phone-contacts

Prime always had the option to ask for access to Phone Contacts, but it was never actually asked for. Did you get a pop-up during playing or did you find it in the Android App settings?

holdthebeer

Niantic updated the privacy policy in June, added "games can read the contact list".

Permission should be denied of course.

NianticBrian

We're investigating why Android players are getting prompted with a request to share their contact list permissions with Ingress. In other Niantic Games, this optional permission is used by the Niantic Profile to provide social features, like sharing the game with your contacts if you choose to share with your friends.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please email Niantic at [email protected] or contact our Data Protection Officer at [email protected]

MrSardinelli

Prime always had the option to ask for access to Phone Contacts, but it was never actually asked for. Did you get a pop-up during playing or did you find it in the Android App settings?

I get a warning from Play Store because on old Android versions (I'm on 5.0) it's not possible to give application an individual permission, it's only "All or nothing" approach. So Play Store warns a user when an update to installed application requires new permission. Prime never used contacts before and nothing was mentioned in release notes, so I bring this to public attention.