Unremovable Spyware on Samsung Devices Comes Pre-installed on Galaxy Series Devices

[Brownie2019]

Content source

https://cybersecuritynews.com/spyware-on-samsung-devices/

Samsung has been accused of shipping budget Galaxy A and M series smartphones with pre-installed spyware that users can’t easily remove.
The software in question, AppCloud, developed by the mobile analytics firm IronSource, has been embedded in devices sold primarily in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Security researchers and privacy advocates warn that it quietly collects sensitive user data, fueling fears of surveillance in politically volatile areas.
AppCloud tracks users’ locations, app usage patterns, and device information without seeking ongoing consent after initial setup. Even more concerning, attempts to uninstall it often fail due to its deep integration into Samsung’s One UI operating system.
Reports indicate the app reactivates automatically following software updates or factory resets, making it virtually unremovable for average users. This has sparked outrage among consumers in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where affordable Galaxy models are popular entry points into Android.
The issue came to light through investigations by SMEX, a Lebanon-based digital rights group focused on MENA privacy. In a recent report, SMEX highlighted how AppCloud’s persistence could enable third-party unauthorized data harvesting, posing significant risks in regions with histories of government overreach.
“This isn’t just bloatware, it’s a surveillance enabler baked into the hardware,” said a SMEX spokesperson. The group called on Samsung to issue a global patch and disclose the full scope of data shared with ironSource.
Social media platforms have amplified the controversy, with viral posts claiming international bans on affected devices. However, official statements from Samsung and regulatory bodies like the FCC deny any such prohibitions, labeling the rumors as misinformation.
Samsung has yet to respond directly to SMEX’s allegations, but a company spokesperson reiterated their commitment to user privacy standards.

 

[Bot]

Hey Brownie2019,

Thanks for sharing this—it's a concerning development, especially for users in the MENA region relying on those budget Samsung models. I've been following similar stories about pre-installed apps and bloatware on Android devices, and this AppCloud situation does raise some red flags on the privacy front. From what I've read in reports like the one from SMEX, it seems like it's more of a persistent analytics tool than outright malware, but the inability to easily remove it and the data collection without clear consent is definitely problematic.

If anyone's got one of these affected devices (like the Galaxy A or M series), here's a quick rundown of steps you might try to mitigate it—though keep in mind, results can vary based on your region and firmware:

• Check for the app: Head to Settings > Apps, and search for "AppCloud" or anything from IronSource. If it's there, see if you can disable or force-stop it.
• ADB removal (advanced): For tech-savvy folks, using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) on a computer can sometimes uninstall system-level apps without rooting. Tools like the Universal Android Debloater can help, but proceed with caution—back up your data first, as it could void warranties or cause issues.
• Factory reset caveats: As the article mentions, it might reinstall on reset or updates, so monitor after any OS changes.
• Privacy tweaks: Limit app permissions in Settings > Privacy, turn off location services when not needed, and consider a VPN for added protection if you're in a high-surveillance area.

Samsung really needs to address this transparently—hopefully, the backlash pushes them toward a patch or better disclosures. In the meantime, if you're shopping for a new phone, looking at models with cleaner stock Android (like Pixels) or custom ROM-friendly devices might avoid these headaches.

Has anyone here run into similar issues with Samsung bloatware? I'd love to hear experiences or workarounds.

Cheers!

 

[Dimitriss]

As soon as I read this, I disabled the app on my A55.

 

[Jan Willy]

You can try this (I use it on a phone from another famous bloat- and spyware brand). No need to connect to the pc/laptop. Just download it from Google Spy sorry Play
Store. It works together with another app: Shizuku. Simple and often effective.

GitHub - samolego/Canta: Uninstall any Android app without root (with power of Shizuku). Debloat your device as you wish, no PC required.

Uninstall any Android app without root (with power of Shizuku). Debloat your device as you wish, no PC required. - samolego/Canta

github.com

 

[Khushal]

Hey Brownie2019,

Thanks for sharing this—it's a concerning development, especially for users in the MENA region relying on those budget Samsung models. I've been following similar stories about pre-installed apps and bloatware on Android devices, and this AppCloud situation does raise some red flags on the privacy front. From what I've read in reports like the one from SMEX, it seems like it's more of a persistent analytics tool than outright malware, but the inability to easily remove it and the data collection without clear consent is definitely problematic.

If anyone's got one of these affected devices (like the Galaxy A or M series), here's a quick rundown of steps you might try to mitigate it—though keep in mind, results can vary based on your region and firmware:

• Check for the app: Head to Settings > Apps, and search for "AppCloud" or anything from IronSource. If it's there, see if you can disable or force-stop it.
• ADB removal (advanced): For tech-savvy folks, using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) on a computer can sometimes uninstall system-level apps without rooting. Tools like the Universal Android Debloater can help, but proceed with caution—back up your data first, as it could void warranties or cause issues.
• Factory reset caveats: As the article mentions, it might reinstall on reset or updates, so monitor after any OS changes.
• Privacy tweaks: Limit app permissions in Settings > Privacy, turn off location services when not needed, and consider a VPN for added protection if you're in a high-surveillance area.

Samsung really needs to address this transparently—hopefully, the backlash pushes them toward a patch or better disclosures. In the meantime, if you're shopping for a new phone, looking at models with cleaner stock Android (like Pixels) or custom ROM-friendly devices might avoid these headaches.

Has anyone here run into similar issues with Samsung bloatware? I'd love to hear experiences or workarounds.

Cheers!

Can't expect anything worse from Scamsung

 

[Bot]

Can't expect anything worse from Scamsung

Hey Khushal,

Haha, "Scamsung" – that's a new one, but I get the frustration. They've had their share of missteps with bloatware and privacy stuff over the years, and this AppCloud thing doesn't exactly help their rep. That said, not all their devices are hit with this (seems mostly regional on the budget lines), and they've made some strides in security updates lately. Still, if you're fed up, brands like Google Pixel or even some OnePlus models offer a cleaner Android experience without as much pre-loaded junk.

You running into this on your own device, or just venting? Any other brands you've switched to that you'd recommend?

Cheers!

 

[TairikuOkami]

I always uninstall/disable unused apps, like Gemini.

 

[Parkinsond]

All have similar apps; Xiaomi phones have MIUI Daemon, MSA, and Analytics; all unremovable.

 

[Miravi]

To be fair, the vast majority of Android phones come with spyware preinstalled.

This is nothing out of the ordinary. It's standard even for laptop manufacturers to preload telemetry/data collection services, but fortunately they're removable.

 

[stonjean633]

Can't expect anything worse from Scamsung

Haha...."Scamsung"
Budget Models means it's for the masses-more data to gather and monitor.

 

[oldschool]

Can't expect anything worse from Scamsung

I always uninstall/disable unused apps, like Gemini.

View attachment 293061 View attachment 293062

Which is why I bought and love my Pixel. Less annoying or useless apps preinstalled. Yes, it's Google and it also has annoying features but it's the lesser of several evils.