this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2025
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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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[–] Whippygoatcream@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Hope they like all my dick pics

[–] EndofLife@feddit.org 1 points 8 months ago

Don't worry they won't!

/Burn

[–] Xanza@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago (6 children)

Seems to be innocuous, but there's no harm in removing it. Next update, it'll be returned, so the better solution long-term will be (if you're rooted) is to use an application to freeze it, which effectively disables it and it should survive and update. If you delete the app, a new update will put it back.

[–] douglasg14b@lemmy.world 0 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I don't see it on the app store to remove anymore

[–] jayandp@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)
[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

did they make it so after people started removing it?

[–] jayandp@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

Nah, for system stuff that updates via Google Play, it's always been like that. Like Android System Webview for example, if you search Google Play for it you only see the Beta and Developer versions of it. You need a direct link to see the default one included with modern Android.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview

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[–] CaptKoala@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 months ago (3 children)

Thanks for bringing this up, first I've heard of it. Not present on my GrapheneOS pixel, present on stock.

I suppose I should encourage pixel owners to switch from stock to graphene, I know which decide I rather spend time using. GrapheneOS one of course.

[–] SayNaughtOfIt@feddit.org 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I've got a Pixel 8 Pro and I'm currently using the stock OS. Anything in particular that you miss with Graphene OS?

[–] praechaox@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 8 months ago

I switched from a Samsung to a Pixel a couple years ago. I instantly installed GrapheneOS and have loved it ever since. It generally works perfectly normally with the huge background benefit of security and privacy. The only issues I have had is one of my banking apps doesn’t work (but the others work fine) and lack of RCS (but I’m sure it’s coming). In short, highly highly recommend. I will be sticking with GOS for the long term!

[–] CaptKoala@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 months ago

I still use a stock pixel for work related and daily usage, but the alternatives I've found between F-Droid and Aurora store I've never felt lacking.

Maybe I'll finish the switch fully in the coming months.

[–] Flying_Hellfish@lemmy.world 0 points 8 months ago (4 children)

I've looked into it.l briefly. Did you have any issues switching? I'm concerned about how some apps I need would function.

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[–] Nightsoul@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Thank you was able to find and uninstall the app with no issues

[–] Punchshark@lemmy.ca 1 points 8 months ago

Fuck these cunt

[–] Ilovethebomb@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago

I've just given it the boot from my phone.

It doesn't appear to have been doing anything yet, but whatever.

[–] 0x0@programming.dev 0 points 8 months ago (3 children)

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

[–] MonkderVierte@lemmy.ml 0 points 8 months 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 0 points 8 months ago (1 children)

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

[–] WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

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

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