cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36145028
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa — is warning that Israeli-linked software secretly embedded in Samsung phones across the MENA region poses a serious surveillance threat.
According to SMEX, Samsung’s A and M series devices either come preloaded with the app “Aura” or install it automatically through system updates, without the user’s consent. The application reportedly collects a wide range of personal and device-specific data, including IP addresses, device fingerprints, hardware details, and network information.
In 2022, Samsung MENA partnered with Israeli tech company IronSource, integrating its Aura software into Galaxy A and M series phones across the region. The partnership was publicly marketed as a way to “enhance user experience” with AI-powered apps and content suggestions.
On a similar note, HMD/Nokia phones have the Etisalat App preinstalled in the UAE, but with Pegasus. And it’s probably a whole lot more manufacturers.
We have instructions on removing? Or is this embedded and now we can fuck ourselves?
Buying a phone from external sources and flashing a custom ROM for good measures is probably the best way.
At this point, not running a custom ROM is an aissue of self respect.
Imagine paying for something hard cash and then having some vermin use it against you.
This a war and people need to start fighting back.