Google 'flaw' puts users' details on display

EVERY time you purchase an app on Google Play, your name, address and email is passed on to the developer, it has been revealed. The "flaw" - which appears to be by design - was discovered by Sydney app developer, Dan Nolan who told news.com.au that he was uncomfortable being the custodian of this information and that there was no reason for any developer to have this information at their finger tips.

You may remember Mr Nolan as the creator of the Paul Keating insult generator all that hit number one in the Aussie App Store last month."

"Let me make this crystal clear, every App purchase you make on Google Play gives the developer your name, suburb and email address with no indication that this information is actually being transferred," Nolan wrote on his blog.

"With the information I have available to me through the checkout portal I could track down and harass users who left negative reviews or refunded the app purchase." Read more >>

World's most expensive cities

1. Tokyo, Japan

Despite a weakening yen and the accompanying drop in the relative cost of living, Tokyo once again earns the distinction as the world's most expensive city. The Japanese city has held the spot for 14 of the last 20 years, said survey author Jon Copestake.

Loaf of bread: $9.06

Liter of milk: $2.93

Bottle of table wine: $15.95

High-end 3-course dinner for four, with wine: $1,266.30

2. Osaka, Japan

Asian cities like Osaka have seen their cost of living climb in recent years, so much that they now represent 11 of the world's 20 most expensive cities, and three of the top ten. A decade ago Asian cities accounted for just six of the top 20.

Loaf of bread: $7.94

Bottle of table wine: $17.55

Liter of unleaded gas: $1.96

High-end 3-course dinner for four, with wine: $915.32

3. Sydney, Australia

Australian cities like Sydney were once relatively affordable locales. But in recent years they've been moving up the ranks of the world's most expensive cities as a strong local currency has pushed up prices.

Loaf of bread: $5.03

Bottle of table wine: $25.38

Pack of brand-name cigarettes: $15.48

High-end 3-course dinner for four, with wine: $731.96

4. Oslo, Norway

Oslo, which is Norway's capital and its most populous city, is the most expensive city in Europe, according to the index.

Loaf of bread: $6.31

Pack of brand-name cigarettes: $15.24

Liter of milk: $2.58

High-end 3-course dinner for four, with wine: $813.36

5. Melbourne, Australia

Like Sydney, Melbourne has seen its cost of living jump significantly in the past decade due to the strengthening Australian currency.

Loaf of bread: $4.87

Bottle of table wine: $25.03

Liter of milk: $2.00

High-end 3-course dinner for four, with wine: 794.85

Read more >>