#jollaspec:

Wouldn't it be nice if my device's security system protected me?
The settings panel would allow me to turn on notifications for all sorts of things, most importantly, when apps try to send information (other than authentication) from the device. I'd especially want to know if an app is sending location information, so if an app accesses the GPS and then tries to send data, my device will block it and ask me if I will allow it. And there's always a "more information" button to show me the host it is sending the data to, etc.

I also think a good watchdog will protect the user from all sorts of attacks, and a notification to the user, "such-and-such app is attempting to delete files from the Documents folder. Do you wish to allow this?"

I don't want the app maker to decide what privileges the app gets, nor do I want the device manufacturer to decide that. I own the device, let me decide.

If you must bow to the wishes of the carriers who are paying you hundreds of dollars per phone, then fine, have a "locked" mode where the carrier makes many of the decisions. I don't see anything wrong with that, because if you sign a contract and get your phone from a carrier for a fraction of its true cost, then it really is the carrier's device, not yours.