The samsung camera app won't work unless the "Nearby device" permission is granted

[wizardofoz]

I noticed that the samsung camera app won't work unless the "Nearby device" permission is granted. It will just crash as if the app cannot run without this permission, which is a nonesense.

Problem is, nearby device permission gives access to bluetooth scanning, which is a way to locate a smartphone (any other bluetooth device could be linked to a location) and therefore a privacy issue.

I understand that for some users wanting to share pictures over bluetooth, or connect to wearables, this permission could be usefull, but for others this is just a way to force them to accept smartphone location by Samsung.

Please Samsung, correct this bug !

[xSteveuk]

Hi,
Have you tried
Click on camera app
Settings
Reset Settings

[wizardofoz]

Hi,
I don't find the "reset settings". Here is what I do :

- I click on the camera app : a message appears telling me I have to grant the nearby device permission, and a button to go to setting

- I click on the button and access the app informations : I see notifications, permissions... but no "reset settings"

[xSteveuk]

Hi
Does going settings
Apps
Camera
Settings

[wizardofoz]

Yes, this is the same screen, but I see no 'reset settings' in the app information screen.

To be sure : I do not want to give the nearby device permission. 😀

[wizardofoz]

Hey ! Someone from Samsung can explain why we must acept to get tracked by Samsung to use the Camera App ??

[AndrewL]

@wizardofoz: If you're referring to Location tracking, then this is to allow the app to provide location tags for captured photos and videos. If you'd prefer not to enable this feature then please head to Settings > Apps > Camera > Permissions > Location > Don't Allow. Alternatively, open the Camera app > Tap the cog symbol > Location Tags, and toggle this option off. 

[wizardofoz]

No I talk about the "Nearby Device" permission, which could be used to track users. I cannot run the Camera App when I deny this permission : the app simply closes (or crashes).

[Ididntaskforthis]

Looks like Samsung doesn't have an answer to your question, it feels like a feature that's just shoved down our throats.
I don't want to use Nearby Device when using my camera, how do I switch it off and still be able to use my camera?

[wizardofoz]

It's a pity that Android 12 strengthens security by giving more control on the app permissions, a.o. localisation, and to see that Samsung tries to bypass it and force users to give info about their localisation. Is it GDPR-compliant by the way ?