Truecaller stands as the foremost Caller ID app globally, particularly revered in India, attaining cult status. However, many users hesitate to embrace it due to privacy and data security apprehensions. The belief that Truecaller transfers your address book to its servers, monitors your location, and accesses your messages isn’t novel, but the company aims to alleviate these and other related concerns.
In a telephonic conversation, Manan Shah, Truecaller’s Marketing Director, emphasized that while people rightly worry about apps accessing too much data, Truecaller operates differently. Shah detailed the permissions necessary for the caller ID app to function optimally on both Android and iOS devices, as well as its methods for collecting and organizing contacts.
Building The Database!
We all understand Truecaller’s functionality, don’t we? When you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, the app serves as a universal phone directory, identifying the caller. However, users often wonder how Truecaller retrieves names beyond their own contact list. Here’s how it obtains that information.
Complying With Apple and Google Policy
Shah asserts that the common misconception about Truecaller is its alleged practice of reading and uploading all user contacts to build a vast database.
However, this isn’t the case due to a simple reason. Google and Apple prohibit developers from uploading address books to their servers, though they can access them on-device for functions like the dialer and messaging. (See Google Play Developer Policy and Apple App Store Review Guidelines)
Shah emphasizes, “We fully comply with these policies. We do not upload phone books from users who download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.”
Truecaller has diligently adhered to both app stores’ policies from the outset. It implemented rigorous measures, enabling users to view and delete records even before the GDPR was enforced.
Furthermore, it was clarified that Truecaller ceased utilizing its users’ address books to expand its database in 2012, coinciding with the implementation of privacy policies on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Crowd-Sourcing Data
Shah explained that the platform operates through community participation, with users submitting data to aid others in identifying numbers. “We boast a vast community exceeding 250 million registered users worldwide, all actively contributing.”
He added, “When you receive a call from an unknown number and Truecaller can’t identify it, you have the option to suggest the name after the conversation.”
If you’ve used Truecaller, you know it displays info about unknown callers at the end of the call. This popup helped the Swedish company expand its database.
After a call with an unknown caller (on Android) not in Truecaller’s database, a popup appears, asking you to edit the contact info with the ‘edit’ and ‘tag’ options. The company gathers data from here to add to its database, not directly from your address book.
Truecaller has engaged global data partners to access publicly listed numbers for businesses and traders.
Permissions Galore?
Now, let’s delve into permissions. Despite appearing chaotic, they’re all utilized for real features. Initially, we questioned Truecaller’s need for user location.
Many users are wary of the location permission, fearing real-time tracking.
Shah clarified, “We’re not surveying you. We haven’t put anyone under surveillance with that location permission. We lack the bandwidth or resources for that. As a company of 150 people, we hardly engage in 99.9% of the alleged activities.”
Location Tracking
He then explained the necessity of location services. Firstly, it’s essential for sharing your location via Flash Messages (if you use them) in the Truecaller app.
Truecaller also utilizes this data to compile regional spam lists, allowing it to notify you of spam callers likely from your city or nearby. Shah elaborated on how the spam list functions –
Finally, the location permission also operates discreetly to display the caller’s location. Mobile numbers lack STD codes, making it challenging to pinpoint a caller’s location based solely on digits, posing a genuine problem Truecaller aims to solve.
All permissions in the Truecaller app are user-controlled, allowing users to decide whether to grant them. While the app will function, some features may be limited if permissions are denied.
If you remain concerned about Truecaller’s permissions, you can review their necessity on the company’s support page.
This elucidates Truecaller’s functionality, addressing concerns about data security and privacy. For further inquiries, feel free to leave a comment below for the company’s response.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
