Google Authenticator collects much more data than the other authenticator apps PCMag reviewed - eviltoast
  • FeelzGoodMan420
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    5 hours ago

    Same. I also checked the data usage on my phone and google authenticator has used NO mobile data since I’ve had it installed for over a year. So I’m calling bullshit on this article.

    I also do not see nearly as many permissions requested as in that screenshot. It needs photo and video permissions because you can upload qr codes and stuff. Also you can (don’t have to) link it your google account, so obviously it would have access to your google stuff.

    • shaserlark@sh.itjust.works
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      3 hours ago

      Yeah what can be done is create a clean Google account registered through an anonymous phone number and a throwaway user name & password, and best to secure it with a hardware key just to make sure no one can get into your OTPs by somehow getting access to those credentials. That should allow you to save credentials in an account at least if you make sure to not login to it on the same device as your other accounts.

      But also not blaming anyone for not trusting Google in the first place.