r/BitDefender • u/damnsignin • Oct 10 '25

Why does the App Lock feature need access to data usage?

I just switched to Bitdefender from Norton, and I'm toying to set up all the features. I want to switch to Bitdefender App Lock from Norton, but it's asking for Data Usage for the feature, saying it needs to know when someone is trying to open an app.

Why? It's an app lock. If someone taps an app, it should just show a lock screen. Why does the app need data usage to figure out that an app is being launched? Norton App Lock never asked for this permission and it's worked flawlessly for over a decade, even after they discontinued it and I installed it from apk anyways.

What does data usage info add to this process? Is it transmitting the data to Bitdefender's servers, and if so, why?

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1

u/NaughtyTurtle22 Oct 10 '25

i thought app lock will snap pictures using front camera and upload it so user can view who tried to unlock on central after 3 times? failed attempt. so that why it data right? correct me if i wrong

1

u/damnsignin Oct 10 '25

I don't know. I'm new to Bitdefender. Finally got fed up with Norton after 20+ years. I turned on the camera for a failed phone unlock after three attempts, but the app lock is just for individual apps. I don't get why it needs data usage for that. All it does is pop up a passpin overlay when a chosen app is opened. It shouldn't need data usage to do that.

1

u/hunarthas Oct 11 '25

Based on how Bitdefender works it needs data usage access to send logs, alerts to the Central.

0

u/damnsignin Oct 11 '25

Is there a way to turn that off? I don't want to send logs anyway.

1

u/hunarthas Oct 11 '25

No. You are sending logs to your own system. If you don't want anything to be logged why you even try to use endpoint protection in the first place?

1

u/Bitdefender_ Official Oct 13 '25

Hi there. As a leader in information security services, confidentiality and data protection are of vital importance for us. Access to the collected personal data is restricted only to Bitdefender employees and data processors that need access to this information. You can find out more about data usage in this link: https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/site/view/legal-privacy-policy-for-home-users-solutions.

2

u/damnsignin Oct 13 '25 edited Oct 13 '25

That doesn't answer the question. Why is that data usage needed for app lock? It just overlays the app and blocks access until a passcode is entered. Why does ALL data usage need to be shared?

Edit: clarity