--- title: Pixalate Releases H1 2021 Mobile App ‘Dangerous Permissions’ Report description: Pixalate's H1 2021 Mobile App 'Dangerous Permissions' Report examines the permissions requested from mobile apps in the Google Play Store. image: https://www.pixalate.com/hubfs/Landing_Page_Media/Report%20Covers/mobile-app-dangerous-permissions-report-h1-2021-cover.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/pixalate-blog-bg.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) | 2 min read # Pixalate Releases H1 2021 Mobile App ‘Dangerous Permissions’ Report: 2.3 million Google Play Store apps have at least one ‘dangerous permission’ Written by [Pixalate](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/author/pixalate) Sep 22, 2021 9:00:00 AM [Pixalate](https://www.pixalate.com/), the market-leading fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics platform for Connected TV (CTV) and Mobile Advertising, today released the [H1 2021 Mobile App ‘Dangerous Permissions’ Report](https://www.pixalate.com/mobile-app-dangerous-permissions-report-h1-2021) containing insights about the permissions requested from mobile apps in the Google Play Store. [![Download Report](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2364596/1e2a31f2-60b9-40e3-b7d7-59bb800bf3fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2364596/1e2a31f2-60b9-40e3-b7d7-59bb800bf3fc) The report helps advertisers and consumers identify potential privacy risk factors stemming from apps available for download in the Google Play Store. Pixalate’s data science team analyzed over 3.3 million apps in the Google Play Store to identify trends relating to “[Dangerous Permissions](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/permissions/overview)” — a term used by Google to describe permissions that “give [an] app additional access to restricted data,” many of which “access *private user data*, a special type of restricted data that includes potentially sensitive information.” ## **Key Findings** ### **2.34 million Google Play Store apps have 1+ “dangerous permission”** - Represents 69% of all apps in the Google Play Store - An increase from 2.27 million in H1 2020 (3% rise year-over-year) ### **“Dangerous permissions” on the rise** - 21% YoY increase in the number of apps requesting access to **Record Audio** from the device’s **Microphone** - 13% YoY increase in apps requesting access to the device’s **Camera** - 17% YoY increase in apps requesting **Read Calendar** access ### **Over 1 million apps can access precise user location (GPS coordinates)** - 30% of all apps in the Google Play Store - 6% YoY increase ## **What’s included in the H1 2021 Mobile App ‘Dangerous Permissions’ Report** Pixalate's [H1 2021 Mobile App ‘Dangerous Permissions’ Report](https://www.pixalate.com/mobile-app-dangerous-permissions-report-h1-2021) includes YoY trends of key “dangerous permissions”, including: - Record Audio - Camera Access - Precise Location Access (GPS Coordinates) - Monitor User Activity - Read Calendar - Read Contacts - Make Phone Calls - And more Download a free copy of the report here: [H1 2021 Mobile App ‘Dangerous Permissions’ Report](https://www.pixalate.com/mobile-app-dangerous-permissions-report-h1-2021). [![Download Report](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2364596/1e2a31f2-60b9-40e3-b7d7-59bb800bf3fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2364596/1e2a31f2-60b9-40e3-b7d7-59bb800bf3fc) You can also [watch our webinar](https://www.pixalate.com/webinar-mobile-app-privacy-safety-update-h1-2021) on October 7, 2021, we will review this data — and other data about risk factors in the mobile in-app ecosystem — in greater detail. Disclaimer The content of this report reflects Pixalate’s opinions with respect to the factors that Pixalate believes can be useful to the digital media industry. Any 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, 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 necessarily mean that such app, or its publisher, is actually exploiting data. Instead, Pixalate is merely rendering an opinion that these facts may be suggestive of heightened risks to data subjects. 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 apps in the Google Play Store. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. “[Android robot](https://source.android.com/setup/start/brands)” by Google LLC is licensed under [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). ### 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 [← Thousands of Apple App Store apps were rated 1,000+ times prior to delisting](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/most-popular-delisted-apps-apple-h1-2021) [** ](https://www.pixalate.com/blog) Next Story [Pluto TV again tops the EMEA CTV Publisher Trust Indexes; Plex made the podium twice →](https://www.pixalate.com/blog/pti-ctv-emea-august-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/mobile-app-dangerous-permissions-report-h1-2021#) # 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). * * * * *