What permissions does the Guardian app require and why?

We can appreciate and understand your concern, Ativader. Please allow us to elaborate on this. The app provides a smartphone-based Mobile Crash Response service in the event a crash is detected. The device permissions are required for app to operate properly so that OnStar may link to emergency services.  For an OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisor to properly assist, you will need to set up certain app and device permissions, which include allowing access to the following features:

• Location: These permissions must always be enabled because your smartphone's location is used to determine when you begin driving, and once a crash is detected, Location permissions allow an OnStar advisor to identify your smartphone's location and contact First Responders for help, even if you can't ask for it.
• Microphone: Once a crash is detected and the app successfully calls an OnStar Advisor, the Microphone permissions allow you to speak to the Advisor, who can contact First Responders to get the help you need. The app is not using the microphone for any other purposes and is not "listening" at all times.
• Motion and Fitness: These permissions allow the Guardian app to utilize your smartphone's sensors to help detect a crash.
• Notifications: These permissions allow you to receive important app alerts and updates (Apple only).
• Call Management: These permissions allow you to answer an incoming voice call without the connected OnStar Guardian app call ending (Android only).
• Background app refresh: This will ensure that the app will run in the background to monitor for a drive event and crash event.

We hope that this has helped you understand more about the permissions and how they are in place to protect the safety of you and your loved ones. See onstar.com for further details and limitations.