sdx15/Shutterstock
Android 12 has made Google’s popular OS more transparent, but also more privacy-friendly than ever introducing microphone and camera indicators and toggles, better controls over permissions, one-time hardware access and more invasive App sandboxing. But the easiest privacy addition was the Privacy Dashboard (via Google).
Privacy Dashboard is a hub that aggregates all privacy settings and information in one place – giving you a bird’s eye view of what data is being accessed, how and when (via Android). You get a neat timeline on a chart that shows the most requested permissions in the last 24 hours. Plus, the permissions Location, Camera, Microphone, Sensors, Call, Storage, and more are listed next to it. Android 13 builds on that privacy-friendly approach. The new release comes with a photo picker that limits bulk access to your image library, less intrusive location tracking, and an even more robust privacy dashboard.
Android runs apps in separate containers (or sandboxes), so one app cannot access or see data and activity from another app (via Android). It also prevents apps from accessing the hardware of the device. That is, at least, until the user manually grants app permissions. An app can access and modify other apps with the necessary permissions granted. Permissions also grant access to hardware (sensors, camera, microphone, location, and more). Sandboxing is designed to keep your device secure and your sensitive data private.
The Privacy Dashboard provides a detailed overview of the history and management of those Android permissions.
How to use the Privacy Dashboard on Android
Privacy Dashboard is available on Android 12 and above. To check if you’re supported, go to Settings > About phone > Android version and find the version of Android you’re running. If you are on Android 11 or below then try to update. Go to Settings > System > System Update.
To access the Privacy Dashboard:
1. Open Settings.
Where you find it may differ slightly between manufacturers as each Android phone manufacturer ships with its own UI. But if you can’t find the dashboard, you can always search for Settings.
2. Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard.
Once you open the Privacy Dashboard, you’ll be greeted with a display of the most permissions granted in the last 24 hours (via Samsung).
You’ll find the same permissions listed under Readout. You can tap them to bring up a detailed timeline of that permission’s usage. The timestamp contains the timestamp next to the app that requested that permission. Tap on Manage Permissions if you want to revoke access to any creepy app.
