Facebook has hit back at claims that it “spies” on users by reading text messages sent via Android devices, but said it is using permission it already holds to access texts to run a “limited” test of new features.
The move follows weekend reports that Facebook and other companies, including Yahoo and Google, have access to a wide range of personal data on mobile devices, with some spying on text messages.
Facebook said its application for Android operating systems does not read or write text messages for most users, but the company is “currently running a limited test of mobile features which integrate with SMS functionality,” according to a statement.
As part of its terms and conditions, Facebook already has access to users’ text messages. The company lists detailed information under the “Permissions” tab in the Android Market about what its application is authorised to do if users download it.
The Android mobile application for Facebook is authorised to receive, process and write text messages as well as read those communications, it says.
The statement added: “If Facebook ultimately launches any feature that makes use of these permissions, we will ensure that this is accompanied by appropriate guidance/educational materials.”
