GoodFirms has published fresh research on why mobile apps keep asking for permissions – and why users are rarely happy about it (read here).

Fora Soft contributed as a Research Partner, helping to explore the challenges behind user-data permissions: the risks and benefits, practical management tactics, and ways to keep permissions safer and more transparent.

Some key findings from the study:

  • Over 70% of users find permission requests frustrating.
  • 86% would uninstall apps that demand too much access.
  • Nearly half (46%) say apps ask for more than they need.
  • 58% worry that permissions compromise their data security.
  • The most concerning permissions for users are location (64%), camera (56%), and contacts (45%).
  • Top threats tied to permissions include data leakage (98%), malware attacks (76%), and phishing risks (64%).
  • Still, not all permissions are viewed negatively – 44% of users recognize they’re essential for apps to function properly.
  • Responsibility isn’t one-sided: 65% believe privacy is shared between developers and users, not just the app creators.

The research makes one thing clear: app permissions are a balancing act. Developers must design secure, transparent apps that only request what’s necessary, while users should stay alert, review permissions, and revoke access that doesn’t make sense.

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Check out the full report here: Why Do Apps Keep Asking for Permissions? What You Really Need to Know About Data Control

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