Yet again, in a research project conducted by Intel Labs, Penn State and Duke University the flaws of the Android Market strategy is uncovered.
Out of 30 popular applications available for download 50% of them was giving away consumer privacy data like IMEI and geographical location away to online advertisers. Even SIM card serial numbers and phone numbers was relayed to the advertisers.
Now that Google is rolling out Android Market to 32 countries the need to address this issue. If the user-base starts to feel that they can’t trust their most personal device in fear of apps stealing and/or misuse the user data, it’ll soon be the downfall of Android.
It will start with the business use of Android. Lock mechanisms will have to be created to disable users from installing non-authorized software and it’ll end up with users having to choose between having two devices, one for business and one personal or having a device they can trust. The adoption of the coming Android based pads/tablet’s will have a hard time penetrate the business market when this happens.
In my opinion it’s like leaving your door open at home and leave for work with a note stuck on it saying “maid needed…”
Here’s an article about the research report in Norwegian (digi.no) and one from BBC in English.
