Netflix demands access to my tablet's microphone in order to update

jasong · 2016-01-29, 02:27

I go to access my Netflix app so I can sign back up and the update says it needs access to my microphone for the install to go through. If I don't give it access to my microphone it won't install, so, as a person who doesn't like to be spied on, I can't install the app. Not saying they would, I just don't trust them.

Is there anyone else who thinks Netflix has gone too far with this? I haven't fully read the Privacy policy, but it doesn't appear to have any information about using the microphone.

Looks like Netflix lost a potential customer.

Dubslow · 2016-01-29, 03:01

Most apps go thusly too far, and most people are only too happy to share too much of themselves with the world.

bgbeuning · 2016-01-29, 03:11

Even if they are not purposefully evil they might accidentally be so.
There was the recent case of the TV set transferring everything it
heard to the company servers just in case you were giving a voice
command to the TV.

Brian-E · 2016-01-29, 08:54

I agree with the two previous commenters, and I believe you are quite right to firmly resist attempts to compromise your privacy. If possible, let them know why they are losing you as a customer. This sort of creeping privacy invasion, which is occurring in all sectors of society including public sectors under the guise of convenience and ease of use, must be resisted because our private information is frequently misused whether intentionally or otherwise.

retina · 2016-01-29, 09:25

The ~~excuse~~ requirement is ostensibly to allow for voice based support sometime in the future. But I can't figure out why it must be mandatory. If a user needs voice support then by all means require the mic, but once you are done with the support request then relinquish the requirement and give the user back their privacy.

But of course they won't do that. There is so much the gain by having full 24/7 access to the mic, they won't give that up easily. And people are stupid and will allow such things because they gotta have the ~~propaganda~~ ~~mind control~~ ~~brain washing~~ entertainment else they might start thinking for themselves.

sonjohan · 2016-01-29, 11:51

http://www.talkandroid.com/278173-ne...phone-support/
Seems it is used for phone support.
However, can't you block mic permission with Lollipop?

henryzz · 2016-01-29, 15:37

Android Marshmallow should solve this sort of problem.

2016-01-29, 02:27	#1
jasong "Jason Goatcher" Mar 2005 3·7·167 Posts	Netflix demands access to my tablet's microphone in order to update I go to access my Netflix app so I can sign back up and the update says it needs access to my microphone for the install to go through. If I don't give it access to my microphone it won't install, so, as a person who doesn't like to be spied on, I can't install the app. Not saying they would, I just don't trust them. Is there anyone else who thinks Netflix has gone too far with this? I haven't fully read the Privacy policy, but it doesn't appear to have any information about using the microphone. Looks like Netflix lost a potential customer.

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2016-01-29, 03:01	#2
Dubslow Basketry That Evening! "Bunslow the Bold" Jun 2011 40<A<43 -89<O<-88 3×29×83 Posts	Most apps go thusly too far, and most people are only too happy to share too much of themselves with the world.

2016-01-29, 03:11	#3
bgbeuning Dec 2014 377₈ Posts	Even if they are not purposefully evil they might accidentally be so. There was the recent case of the TV set transferring everything it heard to the company servers just in case you were giving a voice command to the TV.

2016-01-29, 08:54	#4
Brian-E "Brian" Jul 2007 The Netherlands 7×467 Posts	I agree with the two previous commenters, and I believe you are quite right to firmly resist attempts to compromise your privacy. If possible, let them know why they are losing you as a customer. This sort of creeping privacy invasion, which is occurring in all sectors of society including public sectors under the guise of convenience and ease of use, must be resisted because our private information is frequently misused whether intentionally or otherwise.

2016-01-29, 09:25	#5
retina Undefined "The unspeakable one" Jun 2006 My evil lair 2²×1,549 Posts	The ~~excuse~~ requirement is ostensibly to allow for voice based support sometime in the future. But I can't figure out why it must be mandatory. If a user needs voice support then by all means require the mic, but once you are done with the support request then relinquish the requirement and give the user back their privacy. But of course they won't do that. There is so much the gain by having full 24/7 access to the mic, they won't give that up easily. And people are stupid and will allow such things because they gotta have the ~~propaganda~~ ~~mind control~~ ~~brain washing~~ entertainment else they might start thinking for themselves.

2016-01-29, 11:51	#6
sonjohan May 2003 Belgium 2×139 Posts	http://www.talkandroid.com/278173-ne...phone-support/ Seems it is used for phone support. However, can't you block mic permission with Lollipop?

2016-01-29, 15:37	#7
henryzz Just call me Henry "David" Sep 2007 Cambridge (GMT/BST) 2³×3×5×7² Posts	Android Marshmallow should solve this sort of problem.