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by wnevets 1393 days ago
Do you also apply this logic to all other forms of hardware and software? For example TVs that spy on what you're watching.
2 comments
unknownaccount 1393 days ago
When I install any piece of software I assume it could do anything and everything on the system.
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madeofpalk 1393 days ago
I don't think most people operate under this assumption, or do not reckon with this.
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xg15 1393 days ago
We all do. A native app you install on a phone or desktop can do all sorts of things.
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PeterisP 1393 days ago
A native app you install on a phone has a strictly limited sandbox and a permission model, and if it can silently read all clipboard without user interaction, that would be a bug that needs fixing.
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xg15 1393 days ago
A native app on Android can install OS hooks for all sorts of things (such as, "you connected to a WIFI network", "you took a photo", etc) and thereby can silently react to events while it is not even running.

This is intended and requires the appropriate permissions to be given. In the same way, I don't see the problem with an extension monitoring the clipboard as long as the user has to give explicit permission for it.

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