Samsung updated its policy on privacy for users who have a Samsung account. The new policy is effective October 1. One Redditor read through the policy and did not like it. then shared the document to r/android highlighting the worst points. Android users were quick to condemn Samsung’s policy. Why are people so upset? Is it even worth worrying about this? Let’s explore.
Samsung’s privacy policy is a little creepy
The new policy is not appealing from the start. In fact, it appears downright invasive. We’ve become accustomed to the usual data collection: when you create a Samsung Account, you are required to provide personal information such as your name, age and gender. It’s just part of the deal.
Samsung has also stated that it will collect information such as credit card numbers, usernames and passwords of third-party apps, photos, contacts and text logs. It will also gather location data including cell towers and wifi access points nearby. Samsung’s ability to keep chat transcripts, voice recordings and contacts may surprise you, but it is not the first company to do so. Apple was in trouble when third-party contractors were found to be able to listen to audio recordings of Siri requests. This included all sorts of personal conversations and activities.
Samsung tracks your activity in general via pixels, cookies, web beacons and other methods. This tracking is claimed to be done by the company for many reasons. These include remembering your data so you don’t have to type it again in the future and learning how you use its services. It collects all the information it can about your device to achieve these goals. This includes your IP address and device model, your device settings, your web browsing habits, apps that you download, etc. It does tell you to change your privacy settings, if you are uncomfortable with the default tracking.
This information is used for a wide range purposes, such as ad distribution, customer communication, improving services, improving business, identifying fraud and criminal activities, as well as to comply with applicable legal requirements. They also reserve the right share this information with “subsidiaries, affiliates, business partners, and third parties,” as well law enforcement and other agencies. Samsung data may end up in the possession of a lot third parties, depending on circumstances.
That’s not all. The most interesting policies are found in the section “Notice to California Residents”. Samsung collects biometric data. While the information is similar, it is presented in a slightly different manner. This entry does not elaborate but it implies that Samsung collects data through face and fingerprint scanners. Traditionally, this information was stored on the device. Apple , for instance, does not have access to the face scans of your iPhone. This is obviously a concern.
The California Residents section also discusses the data that Samsung sells to third-parties. Samsung claims that in the twelve months prior to this policy’s implementation, it could have sold your data, including device identifiers such as cookies, pixel tags and more. Purchase histories, network activity and your interaction with websites are all included.
Samsung has always been a reliable brand
This has been a lot of yikes so far. It’s not really a new thing. The language used in the privacy policy update of Oct. 1, is similar to previous versions. In the thread a commenter linked to an older version of the policy, dated Jan. 1, 2021. This version contains all the most problematic policies, such as harvesting biometric information. This is Samsung’s current status.
It doesn’t make the language creepy. You’re not alone if you’re looking at your Galaxy Z Flip in a new light. If you look at the privacy policies of most other devices, you will be equally disturbed. Samsung is not the only company that collects, shares, and sells your data.
One Redditor makes a good point regarding the duplication of privacy violations. You might think that Google has similar policies, but because Samsung is the Android manufacturer, you are dealing with not just one, but two companies.
In light of their high prices, their un-removable software that is inferior to Google, and their anti-Right to Repair campaigns (and reflected in their hardware), there’s no reason to choose their phones over Google. Thank you. I will only allow one company to have access to my device.
Secure your privacy settings
Samsung is one of the best companies in terms of devices. It’s also arguably developing “revolutionary technology” at this time. It’s possible to buy Samsung tech and still be privacy-conscious. Maximize all settings on your device. Do not agree to data sharing. Turn off any tracking and secure your account as much as you can. Samsung won’t allow you to turn your Galaxy into an icon of data security. But you can do much better than the default setting.
