In addition, Privacy Browser Free displays ads from Google's AdMob network using the Firebase backend. For the free flavor, Firebase adds the following permissions even though they are not listed in the manifest file.
+In addition, Privacy Browser Free displays ads from Googleâs AdMob network. For the free flavor, AdMob adds the following permissions even though they are not listed in the source code + manifest file.
android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
-Allows the ads to tell when you are connected to the internet and when you aren't (presumably so they don't try to reload an ad when you are disconnected). They can also tell if you are connected via Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, etc.
+Allows the ads to tell when you are connected to the internet and when you arenât (presumably so they donât try to reload an ad when you are disconnected). + They can also tell if you are connected via Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, etc.
Allows the ads to keep the processor from sleeping and the screen from dimming, although in my testing I don't think the ads actually do this.
- -com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE
-Allows Google to send information directly to the AdView without having to receive a request first (cloud-to-device messaging).
+Allows the ads to keep the processor from sleeping and the screen from dimming, although in my testing I donât think the ads actually do this.
-com.stoutner.privacybrowser.free.permission.C2D_MESSAGE
-Secures the cloud-to-device messages so that only Privacy Browser Free can receive them.
+android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
+Lets AdMob start when the phone boots even if you don't open Privacy Browser Free. This is a concerning permission because it can allow Google to spy on you. + I would either like to find a different ad provider or drop the free flavor of Privacy Browser entirely.