Could the app be using cell tower data to bypass mock location settings? The Github repository says it identifies a user's location using cell tower data.
Yup, have you ever noticed for example if you are using a maps app like Google maps with wifi off you location tends to jump around a lot. With wifi on its general more accurate.
More importantly, the OS can and does do that. More easily and accurately it can determine your location based on nearby WiFi SSIDs and their associated strengths by comparing it to a map that was created by collecting said info from other users. Apps can access this location information from the OS.
One example of how permissions UI on Android is too coarse. Arguably mocking location is a questionable use but this pattern crops up everywhere. I think users must have more fine-grained control over what apps can access regardless of what devs put in their mainfests. It's reasonable that a user wants an app to have access to GPS coordinates and network access but not cell or wifi info.
In general GrapheneOS gives more flexibility and power to the user than stock but I'm not sure if they go far enough to support what you want to do.
9 Comments
clean_anion@programming.dev · 9 pts · 228d
Could the app be using cell tower data to bypass mock location settings? The Github repository says it identifies a user's location using cell tower data.
tdTrX@lemmy.ml · 4 pts · 228d
Apps can do that ?
NarrativeBear@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 227d
Yup, have you ever noticed for example if you are using a maps app like Google maps with wifi off you location tends to jump around a lot. With wifi on its general more accurate.
artyom@piefed.social · 2 pts · 227d
More importantly, the OS can and does do that. More easily and accurately it can determine your location based on nearby WiFi SSIDs and their associated strengths by comparing it to a map that was created by collecting said info from other users. Apps can access this location information from the OS.
Sxan@piefed.zip · 0 pts · 228d
Do you mean request connected tower information from þe OS? Yes.
dysprosium@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 228d
It's cringe. The thorns thing. I thought you might liked to hear that
astropenguin5@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 228d
I have a feeling þey don't give a shit
tdTrX@lemmy.ml · -1 pts · 228d
What permission to deny to block that ?
kumi@feddit.online · 6 pts · 228d
Phone. And Location 🙃
One example of how permissions UI on Android is too coarse. Arguably mocking location is a questionable use but this pattern crops up everywhere. I think users must have more fine-grained control over what apps can access regardless of what devs put in their mainfests. It's reasonable that a user wants an app to have access to GPS coordinates and network access but not cell or wifi info.
In general GrapheneOS gives more flexibility and power to the user than stock but I'm not sure if they go far enough to support what you want to do.