Samsung Embeds IronSource Spyware App on Phones Across WANA

10 months ago

Samsung's A and M series smartphones in WANA region come pre-installed with AppCloud, a bloatware application that collects sensitive user data without consent.
AppCloud, developed by ironSource (now owned by Unity), is deeply integrated into the OS, making it unremovable without root access, which voids warranties and poses security risks.
The app lacks a transparent privacy policy, collects biometric data, IP addresses, and device fingerprints, and offers no opt-out mechanism.
Pre-installation violates GDPR and regional data protection laws, raising legal and ethical concerns, especially in countries where Israeli companies are barred.
Samsung's terms do not specifically address AppCloud or ironSource, despite the app's significant data access.
The open letter demands transparency, opt-out/removal options, reconsideration of pre-installation, and a meeting with Samsung to discuss privacy concerns.

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