It was recently reported that Truecaller has access to a worryingly high amount of user data, which includes metadata of incoming and outgoing call records and messages, the online content viewed by users among others.
An official from the Cyber Crime Police squad was even quoted as saying by the Deccan Chronicle that Truecaller also records calling data and stores it on its servers.
In response to these reports, Truecaller spokesperson contacted Beebom and sought to clarify the privacy policy. The spokesperson also mentioned that whatever data is accessed by Truecaller, provided users have granted the necessary permission, it is strictly used to provide a better user experience.
“We would like to clarify that privacy is our top-most concern. Truecaller is based on the idea of giving people more information and control on who they communicate with, based on their consent. With completely permission-based features, which are switched off by default, we continue to strive towards protecting our users from unwanted calls and potential fraud. As a company that complies with strict Swedish and Indian laws, with world-class security systems in place, we take data security and privacy very seriously. Our brand stands for trust and we live by that value”, the spokesperson told Beebom.
The spokesperson also made it clear that Truecaller does not store contact information, or call and SMS-related data on its servers. Sharing data with Truecaller is a choice that users make, however, the latter is a feature which is switched off by default. Regarding access to the microphone of a user’s device, the spokesperson refuted the claims and mentioned, ‘We do not currently use our users’ microphones, not when app is being used, let alone in a locked state’.
Truecaller has also updated the ‘Why does Truecaller require permissions when I download it from Google Play?’ support page, which clearly explains the permissions required by Truecaller upon installation, why they are needed and the amount of user data the app can access.
Comments
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Yes, Truecaller asks for all the permission when installed.
But the problem is here-
Truecaller asks for permission to access contacts/phonebook and to share those information with others. But it do not asks for permission to the owner of the number(in user’s contact/phonebook) that it will share his/her information with rest of the world.
And that’s the problem. Even if I do not use Truecaller , when I will call someone for the first time it will tell them , “hey! this person(name) is calling you.” I do not have given permission to Truecaller for this. But someone who already have my contact number and since that person has given permission to access his data it will share my information with rest of the world. Even if I do not have granted permission to share my information with rest of the world.