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Why does new version (35) of FF for Android need view my WIFI?

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  • 2 have this problem
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  • Last reply by petef

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Why does FF for Android ver 35 now need to view my WIFI?

FF seems to now be enabled to connect/disconnect from WIFI. What is this for? I don't want FF to read my wifi networks as I don't feel FF needs this access. I may have to find another browser if I can't switch this new "feature" (whatever it is that requires to view my wifi networks) off.

Ben

Why does FF for Android ver 35 now need to view my WIFI? FF seems to now be enabled to connect/disconnect from WIFI. What is this for? I don't want FF to read my wifi networks as I don't feel FF needs this access. I may have to find another browser if I can't switch this new "feature" (whatever it is that requires to view my wifi networks) off. Ben

Modified by BenR

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hello Ben, all the permissions are getting explained in How does Firefox for Android use the permissions it requests?

this permission in particular is used for the [mozilla location service https://location.services.mozilla.com] which is only active on an opt-in basis, so you won't have to switch anything off if don't want to use that...

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philipp said

hello Ben, all the permissions are getting explained in How does Firefox for Android use the permissions it requests?

Hi Philipp I am also very concerned about the new permissions "view Wi-Fi connections" and "connect and disconnect from WiFi", and have not updated Fx because of them. I can't see any mention of these new permissions at the link you have given above. Are you saying they are only used for location services? If I permanently disable geolocation in about:config, will Fx stop sending info to Google geolocation services? Thanks, petef

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hello petef, the article will show information based on the firefox version you are on, so it will explain the permissions of the current version you're on. as mentioned before, the view wifi connections permission is used for the mozilla location service which is not active unless you opt-in to it. also in regards to the html geolocation API (which uses google's location service), there will be a doorhanger panel asking you permission to send this data to google each time a website wants to make use of that.

the permission to toggle wifi on/off is also used for the network error page - firefox will allow you to turn on wifi directly from there if you don't have any connection (see screenshot).

Modified by philipp

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Hello philipp. Thanks, you have explained all. petef