Clipboard restrictions

[pulser]

For good or for bad, many password managers use the clipboard to transfer passwords into the browser or app.

We ought to have an option to restrict clipboard access for apps the user doesn't want to programmatically access the clipboard

[rmenessec]

This is a great idea!

[M66B]

http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/text/copy-paste.html

[M66B]

Will be implemented in the next release.

[pogovault]

I understand the reasons to restrict clipboard from the security viewpoint, but except transferring passwords to other apps I don't see any reason to restrict copy & paste by default. In most user apps it is a real time saver, not mention typing errors.
Any thoughts about moving clipboard restrictions into separate category and maybe enabling by default? Clipboard restrictions are now part of System category that already has many functions and enabling or disabling whole System category just because of clipboard is not viable. If clipboard functions are in separate category people who don't want it enabled by default can easily make change in template.
Now I need to go thru many harmless apps and enable these 6 functions. This also increases size of my xml file which is already at the limit for my phone.

Copy & paste is one of the best inventions, right after TV remote. :-)

[pulser]

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see any loss of "functionality" within an app, when the whole system category is blocked. I blocked my "Authenticator token" generator app, then copied a code, and pasted it into another app with system blocked.

The only time I think you should experience any change in functionality is when you have an app which SILENTLY interacts with the clipboard. Unless I'm missing how this function currently works?

edit: As I understand it, the "copy paste" which we know and love is actually a feature of the Android OS. The ability for an app to silently interact is more of an API feature, which apps can be blocked from doing. Realistically, unless you have an app that monitors your clipboard in realtime, I am not sure what this will "break".

[M66B]

From Android's point of view there is no difference between manually copy/paste or programmatically copy/paste.

[M66B]

There will be a new clipboard category in the next release.