This permission is used to read the Android “Device ID”. This is an anonymous ID that cannot be used to identify the user and is not used to track the user. It is used by iPlayer’s content protection system to ensure that downloaded programmes can only be played on the device that downloaded them. iPlayer does not use this permission to determine the device phone number, whether a call is active, or the remote number in a connected call.
Other permissions (not explicitly mentioned when installing BBC iPlayer, as they are more general to most apps):
“Prevent phone from sleeping”
This permission is used by two features: Downloads & Chromecast.
While downloading a programme, the application prevents the system from sleeping when the device is locked, so the download can continue. This is only active while a download is in progress.
Changelog :
We’ve made improvements for users with phones and tablets running Android N, you should now be able to download & watch your favourite programmes offline!
PLEASE NOTE: We are aware some users are experiencing issues with Chromecast – we are actively working to resolve this in partnership with Google and appreciate your patience on this matter. Please look out for updates where we will address this.