Big Brother’s on the phone

Facebook has denied a report by London’s Sunday Times that its mobile app is secretly reading users’ SMS messages.

The report points to the app’s terms and conditions, which gives it permission to access text messages. Facebook calls the allegations “creative conspiracy theorizing”.

Facebook goes on to explain that the permission is there for testing purposes for upcoming features, carried out only on a limited number of users.

Other apps (including those for Flickr, YouTube and many smaller companies) reportedly also invade privacy by accessing photos, camera functions and phone calls.

So if you’re in the habit of downloading apps, maybe it’s time to make a habit of reading the fine print.