Wow, I can't believe the news is reporting this. Google and Apple have far more control over your phone than Facebook can ever gain through any app. With that said none of those companies would ever exploit these permissions in such a way. Such behavior would irreparably tarnish their brands. Bottom line, Facebook Messenger is safe and there's nothing to worry about.

Here's a helpful article, http://www.snopes.com/computer/facebook/messenger.asp