when an app requires access to photo, music, and video libraries, what prevents stealing my stuff?

[jorgecostanza]

I'm a bit leery about installing apps that require access to contacts, photo, music, and video libraries, and data services.
What's to prevent them from stealing my stuff for their own nefarious purposes?

I was pissed off to find out that the people app automatically syncs with the live account that I had to create in order to download apps from the store.
Then I was further pissed off to find out the built-in calendar app as well as one note syncs automatically too.
All of this syncing going on behind my back without a way to turn it off... WTF.

So, what prevents other apps from taking my stuff too?

 

[xandros9]

I'm a bit leery about installing apps that require access to contacts, photo, music, and video libraries, and data services.
What's to prevent them from stealing my stuff for their own nefarious purposes?

I was pissed off to find out that the people app automatically syncs with the live account that I had to create in order to download apps from the store.
Then I was further pissed off to find out the built-in calendar app as well as one note syncs automatically too.
All of this syncing going on behind my back without a way to turn it off... WTF.

So, what prevents other apps from taking my stuff too?

I'm not overly familiar with Windows Phone app permissions, but generally its pretty locked down I would say. The apps you mentioned are part of Windows Phone itself. Other apps don't get the same level of privilege. Random apps from the store can't talk to each other, access your media, etc. They are "sandboxed" so to speak.

It's just a convenience factor. The People app syncs your contacts to your MS account (which you can access and edit online) which is also nice if you destroy or lose your phone. I've seen enough "lost phone need numbaa's" to know it happens.

The Calendar syncs because its nice when things are in sync, I edit an event on my phone, its automatically updated on my laptop.
Same with OneNote.
Personally I've embraced it, but if you don't like it one bit, pick up some random notes, calendar app from the store. (I know my sister has)

Even if they could steal your stuff, nobody cares about it. No offense. Unless its nuclear secrets.
to be honest I feel you might be overreacting a tad, but i understand.

If I'm wrong on anything, please correct me. this was just my 2 cents.

 

[hprvez]

Nothing prevents an app to stream your data back to the Developer, of course it's something the automated validation tool in the marketplace will look for, along with a lor of other parameters. But if you are concerned about your personal data, there's no operating system or network operator that will grant you privacy today

 

[xandros9]

Nothing prevents an app to stream your data back to the Developer, of course it's something the automated validation tool in the marketplace will look for, along with a lor of other parameters. But if you are concerned about your personal data, there's no operating system or network operator that will grant you privacy today

"your data" is not everything on the phone for the record.

If you're truly concerned about keeping your personal data in YOUR hands only and not some datacenter someplace, I'd say a potential option is an old Palm Treo. I'm half joking of course. But actually, your contacts and appointments stay in your phone and/or your computer only.
An iOS device with iCloud turned off, keeps your notes on the device. (or syncing with itunes on your computer)

I dont know just tossing ideas

 

[Ray Adams]

Apps cannot access videos and music. Only photos and you cannot prevent it. Developers of WP were to lazzy (or simply had no power to program it) to implement restrictions like iOS where phone asks you , do you want this app to access photos/contacts and so on.