I'm wondering what data my installed Android apps can see and use on my phone. Is there a way to tell?
When you install a new app on your phone, the program presents you with a list of “permissions†it requires to function and it is up to you to decide if you want to continue installing that app. These permissions can include access to your contacts list, network connection, location information and so on. If you want to look before installing, the Permissions tab on the app's Google Play Web page also lists what, if any, personal information or system data the app can use.
If you did not pay attention when installing the app, you can always look after you install it on the phone. Press the Menu button, tap Settings and then Applications. Tap Manage Applications, select an app on the list and flick down to the Permissions area to see what the app can get to on your phone. (On Google Play, you can also find third -party utility and security apps to scan and manage permissions.)
