50+ orgs ask Google to take a stance against Android bloatware (unremovable pre-installed apps)

guest · Jan 9, 2020

50+ orgs ask Google to take a stance against Android bloatware
Privacy organizations ask Google to introduce new OEM rules for Android bloatware
January 9, 2020
https://www.zdnet.com/article/50-orgs-ask-google-to-take-a-stance-against-android-bloatware/

In an open letter published yesterday, more than 50 organizations have asked Google to take action against Android smartphone vendors who ship devices with unremovable pre-installed apps, also known as bloatware.
The letter, signed by 53 organizations, was addressed to Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

Signees say Android bloatware has a detrimental effect on user privacy. They say many bloatware apps cannot be deleted and leave users exposed to having their data collected by unscrupulous phone vendors and app makers without their knowledge or consent.

"These pre-installed apps can have privileged custom permissions that let them operate outside the Android security model," the open letter reads.
"This means permissions can be defined by the app - including access to the microphone, camera and location - without triggering the standard Android security prompts. Users are therefore completely in the dark about these serious intrusions."
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SIGNEES WANT NEW RULES FOR OEMS
The signees are now asking Pichai to protect's Google brand by imposing new rules for Android OEMs (official equipment manufacturers, aka Android smartphone makers) in terms of the type of bloatware apps they can pre-install on their respective devices.

Privacy International, the driving force behind this initiative, has also set up a petition page where normal users can add their voice to this campaign and put pressure on Google to intervene.
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50+ orgs ask Google to take a stance against Android bloatware (unremovable pre-installed apps)

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50+ orgs ask Google to take a stance against Android bloatware (unremovable pre-installed apps)

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