93
Google’s Unannounced Update Scans All Your Photos—One Click Stops It (www.forbes.com)
submitted 2 days ago by Blaze@lemmy.zip to c/privacy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
11 comments fedilink hide all child comments

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/26233189

"Android System SafetyCore’ 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."

If you don't want to navigate android settings you can also simply uninstall it from the Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.safetycore

Additionaly you can install this placeholder app to prevent Google from reinstalling it every time it updates: https://github.com/daboynb/SafetyCore-placeholder

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] parmesan@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago

Can you explain what you mean to a less technologically inclined person?

[-] Flagstaff@programming.dev 12 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

FUD = Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt: the paranoia over the topic is needless and you don't have to take any action.

I disagree with this view and did replace SafetyCore with the dummy placeholder .APK, personally.

[-] parmesan@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

Oh ok, thank you for the explanation. I also replaced it just to be safe

[-] designatedhacker@lemm.ee 5 points 2 days ago

As discussed in other threads it's a non system APK which holds no dangerous permissions and can't gain them. It will (once enabled and if you let it) scan inbound and outbound messages for nudity. It's there to prevent people from receiving unsolicited nudes without consent, or if they're sending nudes make sure they aren't falling into some pedo groomer blackmail.

I understand the initial response, but now that the info is available I question the motives of people still spreading it.

[-] Flagstaff@programming.dev 8 points 2 days ago

Well, then I trust my own ability to not fall prey to such blackmail and would rather omit the scanning for battery life's sake. So yes, I'm nitpicky (if that's the conclusion).

[-] bdonvr@thelemmy.club 4 points 2 days ago

It's not open source so it's up to trusting Google for that to be true.

this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2025
93 points (100.0% liked)

Privacy

1189 readers
404 users here now

Protect your privacy in the digital world

Welcome! This is a community for all those who are interested in protecting their privacy.

Rules

PS: Don't be a smartass and try to game the system, we'll know if you're breaking the rules when we see it!

  1. Be nice, civil and no bigotry/prejudice.
  2. No tankies/alt-right fascists. The former can be tolerated but the latter are banned.
  3. Stay on topic.
  4. Don't promote proprietary software.
  5. No crypto, blockchain, etc.
  6. No Xitter links. (only allowed when can't fact check any other way, use xcancel)
  7. If in doubt, read rule 1

Related communities:

founded 3 months ago
MODERATORS
fxomt@lemmy.dbzer0.com
otter@lemmy.ca
shaytan@lemmy.dbzer0.com
fxomt@piefed.social