Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
As mobile applications increasingly demand access to user data, the Android permission system has evolved to provide finer control. Despite this, users often approve permissions without full comprehension, risking privacy. This study investigates how Android users perceive and respond to permission requests, combining a structured survey (n=30) with review mining of Google Play Store feedback. Results reveal low confidence in understanding permissions, high uninstall rates for over-permissioned apps, and a dominant perception that categories like social media and games frequently request unnecessary access. We introduce the “regret framework” to describe how users react after realizing the mismatch between expectations and permission behavior. We conclude by suggesting UI and policy improvements to enhance user trust and informed consent.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Yannick Kouaho. "Tap, Allow, Regret: A Study of User Awareness in Android App Permissions" (2025). Computer Science Student Publications. 1.
https://commons.und.edu/cs-stu/1