HDFC APP WORRYING USERS

Even awareness about permissions that apps seek from users grow, HDFC Bank app has been repeatedly asking users to install its latest app is also seeking a host of permissions.

The bank has been sending messages and calling users extensively, asking them to update the app as the older app ceases to exist.

A HDFC Bank user K.R. Srinivas said: “They have been aggressively asking us to upgrade. I get messages repeatedly asking me to update the app more than four times a day.”

However, an HDFC Bank official said that users may have received calls and messages multiple times because a single notification can be lost in a barrage of messages.

On the other hand, the updated app seeks ‘dangerous’ permissions such as Microphone, camera, call record. Android classifies some permissions as ‘dangerous’, that includes access to calendar, camera, contacts, location, microphone, phone, sensors, SMS, storage.

Kingsly John, an internet researcher said: “Users need to be careful and check the permissions an app requires and think about why it needs. Most apps can do a lot of things which the user doesn’t expect.”

The HDFC Bank official said: “We take device information to provide quick access PIN functionality, Touch ID Login and Face ID Login and device binding. This is for customers’ added security and convenience.”