Android System WebView is a pre-installed system component that allows Android apps to display web content without a browser.
It helps developers to bypass the need to open web pages on third-party browsers, thus saving users time. Some of the common web pages displayed using the Android System WebView include privacy policies, log-in pages, and web-based apps.
However, there have been concerns among many users about WebView being a spy app for Google. In this article, we will investigate the Android System WebView app and see if it violates user privacy. Most importantly, we will answer the question of whether it is a spy app or not.
Read on to find more.
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What Is Android System WebView?
Android System WebView lets apps open links without redirecting users to actual browser apps. Below is an illustration showing how it works on an app like Twitter.
In the first screenshot, you can see a website link posted by a Twitter account. I clicked the link to open it.
Instead of being redirected to the default Google Chrome browser, the link opened within Twitter. You can see on the screenshot on the right that I’m still on Twitter.
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That’s how Android System WebView works and it applies to other apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.
The app was originally built into the Android system. But it wasn’t visible to users back then. It wasn’t until Android 5 was rolled out that the Android System WebView became accessible in settings.
Users of Android 5 and above can interact with the app. They can even disable it completely from the settings. However, doing that may affect other apps that need it to function.
The app is quite small. It doesn’t take up too much storage or RAM. Therefore, it’s not something that interferes with your day-to-day phone use.
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How Does Android System WebView Work?
Android System WebView is vital for app developers. It reduces the need for apps to be optimized for multiple browsers. Usually, when an app developer wants to display internet content, they have three main options.
They can either display the content in Chrome browser using the Customs Tabs feature. The second option is to launch another browser and then load the content there. Finally, they can use the WebView, which is the easiest to use and most efficient.
The biggest benefit of using the WebView app is that it gives app developers more control. For example, they can have a pared-down version of Chromium within their apps. This offers users a more seamless and visually-integrated experience.
However, the downside to using WebView is that it doesn’t share login data. Additionally, neither does it store important cookies. In short, you’ll be forced to log in every time you access a specific website through Android System WebView.
That can be cumbersome for most people who are used to Chrome’s password manager. Its biggest advantage is that it autofills passwords and usernames.
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How to Access Android System WebView?
If you’re using Android 5 and above, here are the steps you can use to access Android System WebView.
1. Open “Settings” on your Android device.
2. Tap on “Apps.”
3. Select “Manage Apps.”
4. Tap on the three dots in the top corner and choose “Show all apps.”
5. Scroll down and locate the Android System WebView.
6. If you wish to disable the app, tap on it once then select “Force stop” at the bottom of your screen.
Android System WebView Privacy Concerns
It’s not surprising that some people would feel like the WebView app spies on them.
Google has a long history with user surveillance through its many apps like Chrome. So, what exactly are these privacy issues surrounding the Android System Privacy Concerns?
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Collection of User Data
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WebView frequently requests sensitive permissions, which raises concerns about data access. Most users provide access without thinking of the possible consequences to their privacy.
WebView raises eyebrows over the transparency of user data by accessing device information, location, and browsing history.
While all these are standard for most apps, it’s understandable why anyone would be fearful of being surveilled. Granting access to locations, for instance, never sits well with a lot of people.
Google claims that it collects this kind of data to enhance the efficiency of apps and services. But as I said before, the company doesn’t have a good track record with user privacy. It would be unwise to trust their word.
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Data Storage and Transmission
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Caches and cookies are used to keep track of users. While they’re presented as safe and necessary for online services, they’re still a huge vulnerability.
Sensitive information may be stored in WebView’s cookies and cache. This might be a goldmine for someone with bad intentions and the right tools to access that information. Therefore, user data security may be compromised by WebView’s handling.
What’s more striking is that despite having SSL/TLS encryption for the data while it’s in transit, leaks still happen.
So, is there something hidden in the Android System WebView app that gives credence to these fears? Well, based on Google’s word, there’s no data collection of any kind going on.
However, WebView privacy policies need to be carefully examined. You may be unknowingly agreeing to large-scale data collection without knowing. That underlies the importance of reading through terms and conditions. Unfortunately, that’s something that most people never do.
In the confusing maze of vague privacy language, knowing how WebView works helps to identify possible hazards. You can securely traverse the digital terrain by exercising vigilance and making educated decisions.
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Case Studies and Examples
In 2015, there was a reported malicious exploitation associated with Android WebView called Stagefright. The attack was discovered by Zimperium zLabs. It was a vulnerability that allowed remote code execution through an exploit delivered in an MMS message.
Most of the devices that were affected were Android versions 2.2 and newer at the time. Google quickly handled the threat by providing patches. There hasn’t been a similar attack since.
Another area of contention is how WebView handles cookies. It’s possible for security flaws such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) to be executed on devices.
This is where hackers insert dangerous code into reliable websites accessed via WebView. Attacks like these can arise from improper processing and storing of cookies.
Impact on User Trust and App Adoption
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There are consequences when users feel like their data isn’t safe.
WebView-related privacy issues can reduce user confidence in the Android platform. Users are increasingly becoming more aware of their online presence these days.
Therefore, any perceived security breach, real or not, can cause them to lose faith in the entire Android ecosystem.
There’s also the growing issue of developer accountability. Most of the Android System WebView vulnerabilities in apps are addressed by developers. Hence, they have to be on top of their game at all times. If not, they risk getting bad reviews, which can impact the popularity of their apps.
Finally, there is the constant struggle of balancing security and functionality. Shoving overly stringent security measures on WebView may impact the app’s capabilities. That can push users away.
On the other hand, being too lax exposes users to more risks. That will still push them. Therefore, a well-balanced approach is necessary to ensure functionality and security don’t undermine each other.
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Wrapping Up
Android System WebView is not a spy app.
The privacy issues associated with it are common with Google apps so it’s easy for users to feel like they’re being spied upon when using it.
The best way forward for WebView users is to read the terms and conditions carefully. Especially when granting sensitive permissions to the app.
Most importantly, you can always disable Android System WebView at any time.
