Background information
Apple iOS 14.5: online privacy, please
by Dominik Bärlocher
Android smartphones: Google collects the least data
19.10.2021
Translation: Eva Francis
Smartphones collect and transmit data. This is a truism as well as its purpose. Security researchers have examined Android smartphones more closely and have found curious spies.
Researchers at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland examined Google's Pixel smartphones earlier this year. At the time, they were surprised at how much data the devices were still transmitting when the users thought they had turned off the transmission. In their current study [PDF], they took a close look at models from other manufacturers. The results are sobering: those devices collect even more data.
Almost impossible to stop data collection
Theoretically, other manufacturers could adjust the settings in their user interface to collect less data than Google. This isn’t the case with the examined devices. Samsung's One UI, Xiaomi's MIUI, Oppo's ColorOS (on Realme devices) and Huawei's EMUI send more data to the manufacturers than Google collects with its Pixel smartphones.
In their study, the security researchers assume that a person is aware of data protection, but does not delve deeper into the subject. In other words, this person disables data sharing when setting up the smartphone, but does not make any other settings – if they’re offered at all. Spoiler alert: this is not the case.
Data isn’t only collected and transmitted by the system and the manufacturer's apps, but also by preinstalled third-party apps. This often includes Facebook or services by Microsoft, which can’t always be permanently uninstalled. Even if they’re not actively used, they still pass on data to their corporations.
Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and Realme receive tons of data via their apps and user interfaces. This includes the IMEI numbers and the phone number of the device as well as serial numbers of a large number of installed hardware components and the inserted SIM card. In addition, location data, IP addresses, cookies, MAC addresses of the WLAN receiver and other telemetric data are also collected. In addition, manufacturers can see which apps are installed on the devices. Xiaomi is even supposed to know when you open which app screens.
Collecting data is necessary for a smartphone to work. In the opinion of the researchers, however, the manufacturers are overstepping the mark. As they state, far too much data is collected and not that much data is needed for operation and even for improvements.
Attractive alternatives are rare
The researchers also looked at two alternative Android versions. LineageOS and /e/OS collect and share significantly less to no data. However, they are not developed or officially supported by smartphone manufacturers. If you install it yourself, you will also void the manufacturer's warranty.
Seems like the only way to keep data collection within limits is to buy a Pixel by Google or an iPhone by Apple.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
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