--- title: There was a 5% rise in the number of Android apps requesting 'dangerous permissions' in 2020 description: "Pixalate's Mobile Ad Supply Chain: App Safety & Consumer Data Privacy Report (Q3 2020) reveals how many apps on the Google Play Store request 'dangerous permissions.'" image: https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog_Media/Blog%20photos/q3-2020-app-safety-dangerous-permission-trends.png --- [![pixalate-full-logo](https://www.pixalate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pixalate_Logos/pixalate-full-logo.jpg?width=150&height=60&name=pixalate-full-logo.jpg "pixalate-full-logo")](https://www.pixalate.com) Search **Menu** ** ** ![](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog_Media/Blog%20photos/q3-2020-app-safety-dangerous-permission-trends.png) [Mobile](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/topic/mobile) | [Privacy](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/topic/privacy) | [Research Reports](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/topic/research-reports) | 3 min read # There was a 5% rise in the number of Android apps requesting 'dangerous permissions' in 2020 Written by [Pixalate](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/author/pixalate) Jan 15, 2021 12:30:00 PM Pixalate's [Mobile Ad Supply Chain: App Safety & Consumer Data Privacy Report (Q3 2020)](https://info.pixalate.com/mobile-advertising-app-safety-report-h1-2020) reveals information about the 5.1+ million apps available to consumers across the Google Play and Apple App stores from Q1-Q3 2020 — with a specific look at apps for kids (aged 12 and under). This blog examines the number of apps available on the Google Play Store that request any "dangerous permission" (as [defined](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/permissions/overview) by Google), such as precise location access, access to the phone's camera or microphone, and more. location access (latitude and longitude GPS). ### 70% (2.3M+) of Google Play Store apps request 'dangerous permission(s)' ![q3-2020-app-safety-dangerous-permission-trends](https://www.pixalate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Media/Blog%20photos/q3-2020-app-safety-dangerous-permission-trends.png?width=600&name=q3-2020-app-safety-dangerous-permission-trends.png) As of the end of Q3 2020: - 70% of apps on the Google Play Store request access to one more more "dangerous permission(s)" — up from 66.6% in Q120 (a 5% rise) - 69.4% of apps for kids (aged 12 & under) request at least one dangerous permission, up from 68.8% in Q1 (a 1% rise) - This means that over 2.3 million total apps, over over 2.1 million apps for kids (12&U) request at least one dangerous permission ### What are some examples of 'dangerous permissions' on Android apps? | **Permission** | **Description** | | --- | --- | | WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE | Allows an application to write to external storage. | | CAMERA | Required to be able to access the camera device. | | CALL_PHONE | Allows an application to initiate a phone call without going through the Dialer user interface for the user to confirm the call. | | BODY_SENSORS | Allows an application to access data from sensors that the user uses to measure what is happening inside his/her body, such as heart rate. | | RECORD_AUDIO | Allows an application to record audio. | | READ_CALENDAR | Allows an application to read the user's calendar data. | | READ_CALL_LOG | Allows an application to read the user's call log. | | READ_CONTACTS | Allows an application to read the user's contacts data. | | WRITE_CALENDAR | Allows an application to write the user's calendar data. | | WRITE_CONTACTS | Allows an application to write the user's contacts data. | | READ_PHONE_STATE | Allows read only access to phone state, including the phone number of the device, current cellular network information, the status of any ongoing calls, and a list of any PhoneAccounts registered on the device. | | ANSWER_PHONE_CALLS | Allows the app to answer an incoming phone call. | | ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION | Allows an app to access precise latitude and longitude. | | ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION | Allows an app to access approximate location. | | ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION | Allows an app to access location in the background. | ### **What’s inside Pixalate’s report — Mobile Ad Supply Chain: App Safety & Consumer Data Privacy (Q3 2020)** Inside our Q3 2020 mobile advertising[ app safety report](https://info.pixalate.com/mobile-app-safety-report-q3-2020), you’ll find: - iOS & Android app growth trends - App transparency and privacy policy trends - Country of registration of apps for kids - ‘Dangerous permission’ on apps for kids - And more [![See The Research](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2364596/c6a3e3c3-a3cd-45bd-a289-c1244801612a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2364596/c6a3e3c3-a3cd-45bd-a289-c1244801612a) **Disclaimer** *The content of this blog, and the Q3 2020 Mobile App Safety: Consumer Data Privacy Report (the "**Report**"), reflect Pixalate's opinions with respect to factors that Pixalate believes can be useful to the digital media industry. Any insights shared are grounded in Pixalate's proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources in the Report and herein should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees. It is important to also note that the mere fact that an app receives “dangerous permissions” (as defined by Google), does not appear to have a published registration address (or is registered in a traditional tax haven country), does not appear to have a privacy policy or terms of service, or appears to have other risk factors as set forth herein, does not necessarily mean that such app, or its publisher, is actually violating any particular law (e.g., COPPA) or is otherwise exploiting personal data. Instead, Pixalate is merely rendering an opinion that these facts may be suggestive of heightened risks to data subjects, especially with respect to children aged 12 and under. Pixalate is sharing this data not to impugn the standing or reputation of any entity, person or app, but, instead, to report facts as they pertain to Android and iOS apps. * ### Search Blog Search ### Follow Pixalate ### Subscribe to our blog *By entering your email address and clicking Subscribe, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use ](https://www.pixalate.com/terms)and [Privacy Policy.](https://www.pixalate.com/privacypolicy) Previous Story [← Pixalate Week in Review: January 4 - 8, 2021](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/programmatic-ad-fraud-news-january-8-2021) [** ](https://www.pixalate.com/blog) Next Story [Pixalate Week in Review: January 11 - 15, 2021 →](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/programmatic-ad-fraud-news-january-15-2021) ## You May Also Like These Stories on Mobile [![](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog%20Media/2026%20Covers%20and%20Images/OpenEPG%20landing%20page%20hero%20image.png) ](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/pixalate-launches-openepg-1.0-analytics-to-bring-linear-tv-grade-measurement-verification-to-open-programmatic-ctv) [Mobile](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/topic/mobile) ### [Pixalate Launches OpenEPG™ 1.0 Analytics to Bring Linear TV-Grade Measurement & Verification to Open Programmatic CTV; OpenEPG DB™ Unlocks 12,875 Shows From 318 Channels Using Bidstream Bundle ID](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/pixalate-launches-openepg-1.0-analytics-to-bring-linear-tv-grade-measurement-verification-to-open-programmatic-ctv) Jun 16, 2026 8:33:30 AM | 5 min read [![](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog%20Media/2026%20Covers%20and%20Images/United%20States%20%26%20GLOBAL%20-%20IVT%20Benchmarks%20-%20Q1%202026.png) ](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/q1-2026-ad-fraud-benchmarks-report-for-north-america) [Mobile](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/topic/mobile) ### [Pixalate Releases Q1 2026 North America Invalid Traffic (IVT) & Ad Fraud Benchmarks: United States Mobile Apps See 32% Invalid Traffic (IVT) Rate](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/q1-2026-ad-fraud-benchmarks-report-for-north-america) Apr 29, 2026 8:00:01 AM | 2 min read [![](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog%20Media/2026%20Covers%20and%20Images/UNITED%20KINGDOM%20%26%20GERMANY%20%26%20GLOBAL%20-%20IVT%20Benchmarks%20-%20Q1%202026.png) ](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/q1-2026-ad-fraud-benchmarks-report-for-emea) [Mobile](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/topic/mobile) ### [Pixalate Releases Q1 2026 EMEA Invalid Traffic (IVT) & Ad Fraud Benchmarks: United Kingdom Connected TV (CTV) Most at Risk with 46% IVT Rate](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/q1-2026-ad-fraud-benchmarks-report-for-emea) Apr 29, 2026 8:00:00 AM | 2 min read ** ### Subscribe to our blog *By entering your email address and clicking Subscribe, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use ](https://www.pixalate.com/terms)and [Privacy Policy.](https://www.pixalate.com/privacypolicy) ![pixalate-logo-red-small](https://www.pixalate.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018NewTemplate/pixalate-logo-red-small.png?width=208&name=pixalate-logo-red-small.png "pixalate-logo-red-small") ** By entering your email address and clicking Subscribe, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.pixalate.com/terms) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.pixalate.com/privacypolicy) Products [Analytics](https://www.pixalate.com/products/analytics) [Blocking](https://www.pixalate.com/products/blocking) [Media Rating Terminal](https://www.pixalate.com/products/mrt) [Publisher Trust Indexes](https://www.pixalate.com/rankings/?group=app&reportId=publisherTrustIndex) [Seller Trust Indexes](https://www.pixalate.com/rankings/?group=app&reportId=publisherTrustIndex) [IoT Device Rankings](https://www.pixalate.com/rankings/?group=app&reportId=iotDeviceReach) Resources [Blog](https://blog.pixalate.com/) [Press](https://www.pixalate.com/press) [Careers](https://www.pixalate.com/jobs) [Team](https://info.pixalate.com/pixalate-leadership-team) Contact Email [** sales@pixalate.com ](mailto:sales@pixalate.com) [** privacy@pixalate.com ](mailto:privacy@pixalate.com) US: [** +1 888 749 2528 ](tel:+1%20888%20749%202528) EU: [** +44 (0)800 011 2050 ](tel:+44%20(0)800%20011%202050) Slack: [Join ATSAPI Slack Channel ](https://atsapi-pixalate.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-10dtow5cj-OEtlNr5yzJkrZMQUqcEEow#/shared-invite/email) Offices Global Offices US 1775 Greensboro Station Place, Suite 425, McLean, VA 22102 UK 20 North Audley Street London, W1K 6WE, United Kingdom EU 10 Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland Singapore 10 Anson Road, #22-02 International Plaza, Singapore 079903 [![facebook](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/footer/icons/facebook.png) ](https://www.facebook.com/pixalate) [![x](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/footer/icons/twitter-x.png) ](https://twitter.com/pixalateinc) [![linkedin](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/footer/icons/linkedin.png) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/pixalate) ![wechat](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/footer/icons/wechat.png) [![slack](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/footer/icons/slack.png) ](https://atsapi-pixalate.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-10dtow5cj-OEtlNr5yzJkrZMQUqcEEow#/shared-invite/email) [Terms of Use](https://www.pixalate.com/terms) [Privacy Policy](https://www.pixalate.com/privacypolicy) [GDPR Compliance](https://www.pixalate.com/gdpr) Disclaimer Copyright © 2025 Pixalate [Back to top **](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/google-play-store-mobile-apps-dangerous-permissions-q3-2020#) # Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this page reflects Pixalate’s opinions with respect to the factors that Pixalate believes can be useful to the digital media industry. Any proprietary data shared is grounded in Pixalate’s proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate’s opinions are just that - opinion, not facts or guarantees. Per the MRC, “'Fraud' is not intended to represent fraud as defined in various laws, statutes and ordinances or as conventionally used in U.S. Court or other legal proceedings, but rather a custom definition strictly for advertising measurement purposes. Also per the MRC, “‘Invalid Traffic’ is defined generally as traffic that does not meet certain ad serving quality or completeness criteria, or otherwise does not represent legitimate ad traffic that should be included in measurement counts. Among the reasons why ad traffic may be deemed invalid is it is a result of non-human traffic (spiders, bots, etc.), or activity designed to produce fraudulent traffic.” ** ** *By clicking Download and entering your email address, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.pixalate.com/terms) and have read and acknowledge our [Privacy Policy](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/2024-08-20_Pixalate_Privacy_Policy.pdf). *Copyright © 2025 Pixalate** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * × ## Subscribe to the Pixalate Blog The first step in ad fraud prevention. Loading... By entering your email address and clicking Submit, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.pixalate.com/terms) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.pixalate.com/privacypolicy). ![pixalate-logo-white](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog_V2_08_26_2016/logo/Pixalate_Logo_WHITE.png) ##### Contact Us12 Loading... ![pixalate-logo-white](https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Blog_V2_08_26_2016/logo/Pixalate_Logo_WHITE.png) ##### Download GSTI Loading... Schedule your demo today Please complete all fields Loading... By entering your email address and clicking Submit, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.pixalate.com/terms) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.pixalate.com/privacypolicy). * * * * *