We apologize again for releasing a feature that enhanced your privacy. Those responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked have been sacked.

I read this as I notice that the new +Google Maps requires permission to turn on WiFi. ORLY, Google?

Linus Torvalds

This is sad.

With all the posturing Google has done over the NSA stuff, and having encouraged people to sign the petition to require a warrant for email snooping (which I heartily agree with), this just makes Google look hypocritical.

Google Removes Vital Privacy Feature From Android, Claiming Its Release Was Accidental


Becky Bruce December 13, 2013 20:02

Does it also feature Mexican whooping llamas?

Michael K Johnson December 13, 2013 20:09

The managers of the developers hired to continue Android development after the other people had been sacked, wish it to be known that they have just been sacked. The features have been completed in an entirely different style at great expense and at the last minute.

Michael K Johnson December 13, 2013 20:14

The “Permission Manager - App ops” app figured out another way to make this work with KitKat, but Google broke it with 4.4.2, so they are clearly actively fighting this. Obnoxious, and I think Linus was gentle to say “look hypocritical” whereas I would say that they are hypocritical.


Imported from Google+ — content and formatting may not be reliable