Israeli-founded app preloaded on Samsung phones is attracting controversy

5 days ago

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Samsung ships Galaxy M, F, and A series smartphones in India with an app called AppCloud, which recommends third-party apps during setup.
AppCloud forces users to choose whether to install certain apps during setup and pushes persistent notifications until the process is completed or disabled.
AppCloud is preloaded on Samsung A and M series phones in West Asian and North African markets, raising privacy concerns due to its ties to Israeli-founded ironSource.
ironSource, now owned by US-based Unity, has a controversial history, including the InstallCore program, which was criticized for installing software without clear user permission.
The presence of an Israeli-origin technology component on Samsung phones in WANA countries is contentious due to legal and political sensitivities.
Consumer advocates urge Samsung to provide a clear opt-out for AppCloud, make its privacy policy public, and stop preloading the app in sensitive regions.
Samsung may need to issue a statement to address rising concerns across multiple markets.

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