this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2025
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Google’s ‘Secret’ Update Scans All Your Photos (www.forbes.com)
submitted 4 days ago by ad_on_is@lemm.ee to c/technology@lemmy.world
273 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Per one tech forum this week: “Google has quietly installed an app on all Android devices called ‘Android System SafetyCore’. It claims to be a ‘security’ application, but whilst running in the background, it collects call logs, contacts, location, your microphone, and much more making this application ‘spyware’ and a HUGE privacy concern. It is strongly advised to uninstall this program if you can. To do this, navigate to 'Settings’ > 'Apps’, then delete the application.”

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[–] 0x0@programming.dev 17 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Don't use Google Play. Prefer Obtanium, F-Droid or Aurora Store.

[–] MonkderVierte@lemmy.ml 7 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Though just not using it makes no difference. You need to remove Play Store and Play services to orevent them from tracking you and managing your apps.

[–] 0x0@programming.dev 1 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Tracking maybe, but how is the Play Store managing my apps?

[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

the google play services system can silently install and remove apps from your phone

[–] eugenevdebs@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 days ago
  • Updates them for you
  • Scans them for you
  • Removes ones for you if Google (often correctly) deems them to be threats to your device
[–] bob_lemon@feddit.org 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Incidentally, Aurora Store is unable to find this particular app.

[–] noxypaws@pawb.social 4 points 3 days ago

Sure it can: