Changing Android Wallpapers Threaten your Privacy

[ForgottenSeer 98800]

MalwareTips Community,

I'm sure everyone had changed the default android wallpaper when we first set up our phones (I know I have). However, I don't think many of us thought twice that changing something as simple as a phone wallpaper would make us identifiable. In 2021, a study found that changing the default android wallpaper starting from Android 12 does create a unique ID on our phone due to the "Material You" design Google had implemented. Detailed information from this study is here: How Android Wallpaper Images Can Threaten Your Privacy. What do you think about this, and does this information change your mind about customizing your phone wallpaper?

 

[show-Zi]

I think the privacy threatened by wallpaper images has already been provided.

 

[Ink]

I would be more concerned about installing a malicious wallpaper app, than worrying about wallpaper privacy.

 

[ForgottenSeer 98800]

I would be more concerned about installing a malicious wallpaper app, than worrying about wallpaper privacy.

@Ink, I respect your thought/opinions. Everyone is different in how they want to protect their privacy/security on their phone. I wanted to post this information for someone who may be interested or want to know what is happening, no matter how silly it seems. There is nothing wrong with getting more information.

 

[Zero Knowledge]

Not a huge problem if you ask me. Can it threaten your privacy? Well maybe, but it's an edge case and shouldn't cause you grief unless it's an illegal/illicit wallpaper. I would be more worried about unrestricted access that Google Play Store updates have (not apps downloaded from the Appstore but the Google Appstore updates under Security and Updates in settings).

 

[vtqhtr413]

Good tip @Orchid, Welcome to the forum