← Years 7–8 Data & Information

App permissions on a device

Settings where each app asks to use your location, camera, microphone or contacts. You can allow or deny each one, or allow only while using the app, and review them any time.

Part of: 7-8 Digital Technologies: Digital footprint and privacy — Module 9, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Staying Safe Online — Module 20, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Digital Footprints — Module 21, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Digital Footprints and Data Minimisation — Module 7, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Privacy Principles and Digital Footprints — Module 10, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Interactions Between Users, Data and Digital Systems — Module 66

Understanding App permissions on a device in Years 7–8 Data & Information

What it does: The Always option gives the app access in the background, not just while you are using it. Reviewing permissions in device settings lets you see each app's access and allow or deny it at any time. Only allow a permission if the app really needs it to do its job. A torch app has no reason to read your contacts. App permissions are about what an app can access, such as your camera, microphone, location or contacts. Denying a permission only blocks that one thing, such as the camera. The app stays installed, though some features may not work. This setting limits location access to the times you are actively using the app.

Common mistakes: The camera should only be used when the user has allowed it. The condition should be permission = allowed, not denied. The user decides whether to allow or deny a permission, not the app. It should be choice ← user_choice().

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 100–124) and word search (Modules 87–124).

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Learning
Duo
A torch app asks for access to your contacts. What is the smartest choice?
Deny it, because a torch does not need your contactsAllow it, because apps always need every permission
Matches
A torch app has Contacts: Allow
↓
A torch app does not need your contacts to work. The permission should be set to Deny.
Applying
Meanings
Term
App permissions
Meaning
Settings where each app asks to use your location, camera, microphone or contacts. You can allow or deny each one, or allow only while using the app, and review them any time.
Practice
App: MapFinder
Testing
Gaps
Photo app needs permission
Check Answer
Spots
1IF permission = denied THEN
2 use_camera()

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Quick Questions

1. A torch app asks for access to your contacts. What is the smartest choice?
A. Deny it, because a torch does not need your contacts ✓
B. Allow it, because apps always need every permission
Only allow a permission if the app really needs it to do its job. A torch app has no reason to read your contacts.
2. Which permission setting lets a map app see your location only while the app is open?
A. While using the app ✓
B. Always
'While using the app' stops the app from tracking you in the background. 'Always' lets it check your location even when it is closed.
3. True or false: You can change an app's permissions after you first tap Allow.
A. False, once you tap Allow you are stuck with it
B. True, you can review and change them in your device settings any time ✓
Permissions are not permanent. You can open your device settings, review each app and switch a permission off.
4. Which of these is an app permission?
A. Letting a photo app use your camera ✓
B. Choosing a new wallpaper for your home screen
App permissions are about what an app can access, such as your camera, microphone, location or contacts.
5. A video call app needs to pick up your voice. Which permission does it need?
A. Contacts
B. Microphone ✓
The microphone permission lets an app hear and record sound. Contacts only gives access to the people saved in your phone.

Match the Pairs

Location: While Using the App → The app can only see where you are when you have it open on your screen.
Microphone: Deny → The app is blocked from recording sound through your device.
You can let an app track your location all the time, even when it is closed. → Location: Always
You should check which apps can use your camera, contacts and other features, and change them if needed. → Settings > Privacy > App Permissions
A torch app has Contacts: Allow → A torch app does not need your contacts to work. The permission should be set to Deny.
Weather app: Location Always, never reviewed → A weather app only needs your location while you use it, and permissions should be reviewed regularly. Change it to While Using the App.

Key Term

App permissions
Settings where each app asks to use your location, camera, microphone or contacts. You can allow or deny each one, or allow only while using the app, and review them any time.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Photo app needs Camera permission
Hint: Type the permission that lets an app take photos or video.
2. Maps: Allow Location While Using the App
Hint: Type the option that lets the app use your location only when it is open on screen.
3. Location set to Always = used in background
Hint: Type the option that lets an app keep using your location even when you are not using it.
4. Unknown game wants microphone: Deny
Hint: Type the choice that stops the app from using the microphone.
5. Review app permissions in Settings any time
Hint: Type the word for what each app asks to use, which you can check and change in Settings.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A IF permission = denied THEN
B use_camera()
C END IF
Line A — The camera should only be used when the user has allowed it. The condition should be permission = allowed, not denied.
Question 2
A ask_permission(microphone)
B choice ← app_choice()
C IF choice = allow THEN
D start_recording()
Line B — The user decides whether to allow or deny a permission, not the app. It should be choice ← user_choice().
Question 3
A mode ← while_using
B IF app_closed THEN
C use_location()
Line A — The code uses location even when the app is closed. That only works with the Always setting, because While Using only allows access when the app is open.
Question 4
A FOR each app IN apps
B show(app.permissions)
C IF unused(app) THEN
D allow(app.location)
E END FOR
Line D — When reviewing permissions, an app you no longer use should lose its location access. It should be deny(app.location), not allow.
Question 5
A open Settings
B tap Wallpaper
C tap Location
D pick app, set While Using
Line B — App permissions are found under Privacy in Settings, not under Wallpaper. The step should be tap Privacy.

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