permissioncentric

Permission-centric is an approach to software design and security in which access to data and resources is governed by explicit permissions granted by users or administrators. In this model, software requests access only for the resources it needs, and access is granted with clearly defined scope and duration, and remains revocable. The aim is to shift control over data usage toward users and operators, increasing transparency and accountability.

Key characteristics include explicit permission prompts before access, narrowly scoped permissions, runtime granting and revocation, and ongoing visibility into which applications or services have access to specific data. Prompts should explain purpose and implications; permission can be contextually re-evaluated as circumstances change. The least privilege principle guides the assignment of the minimum necessary rights.

Applications include mobile operating systems that require user consent for camera, microphone, location, and contacts; web browsers that request permission for geolocation, notifications, and clipboard access; and cloud or enterprise platforms that use role-based or attribute-based access controls to govern API access.

Benefits include improved privacy, user control, and auditability, plus reduced risk of over-privileged software. Criticisms include potential prompts fatigue, confusing wording, and performance or usability trade-offs when many prompts interrupt workflows. Effective permission-centric systems rely on clear language, sensible defaults, and robust revocation mechanisms.

Related concepts include consent management, least privilege, and privacy-by-design.