Google Updates Pixel with Critical Security Fixes, Samsung Must Catch Up Fast

A Trinity College, Dublin study reveals that Google tracks Android phones as soon as they are powered on, using cookies, identifiers, and data stored via pre-installed apps like Google Play Store and Play Services. This tracking occurs even if the apps aren’t opened, and there is no option to opt out or consent. This raises privacy concerns, similar to the SafetyCore app issue. The research contrasts with Google Chrome’s approach, where users can opt out of cookies.

It follows Google’s controversial return to device fingerprinting, a practice discontinued due to privacy risks. Critics argue these practices compromise user control over personal data. Google asserts that privacy is a priority and complies with privacy laws, disagreeing with the study’s legal analysis. However, the study questions Google’s compliance with the EU’s e-Privacy Directive, which requires user consent for storing data. The findings highlight ongoing concerns about Google’s extensive data collection and urge stronger regulatory protection for Android users’ privacy.

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• Google Starts Silent Tracking on Android Phones, Raising Privacy Concerns

Google Updates Pixel with Critical Security Fixes, Samsung Must Catch Up Fast

Google has launched an update for its Pixel phones, addressing critical security vulnerabilities. This update tackles two issues: CVE-2024-43093, affecting Android’s framework, and CVE-2024-50302, targeting the Android kernel. Both vulnerabilities could allow unauthorized access and escalate privileges on affected devices. While Pixels will receive the fixes soon, Samsung has only addressed one of these issues in its March update, leaving the other unresolved for Galaxy users.

The delay in Samsung’s updates has led to concerns, especially as federal agencies may soon require Android users to update their devices or stop using them due to security risks. Given the recent exploits, it’s crucial for all Android users to install the update as soon as it’s available. With Android 15 and 16 updates already rolling out on Pixel devices, Samsung’s slow update cycle is raising alarms in the Android ecosystem. There are discussions about Samsung potentially skipping several updates and jumping directly to One UI 8.0. The situation emphasizes the need for a unified, fast security approach across Android devices, similar to the prompt updates seen with iPhones.

Google Starts Silent Tracking on Android Phones, Raising Privacy Concerns

A recent study by Trinity College, Dublin reveals that Google begins tracking Android phones as soon as they are powered on, using cookies, identifiers, and other data stored through pre-installed apps like Google Play Store and Play Services. The tracking occurs even if the apps aren’t opened, and there is no option to opt out or consent to this data collection. This has raised concerns, particularly as it mirrors previous issues like the controversial SafetyCore app, which was quietly installed on many Android devices.

The research highlights a lack of transparency and control for users, contrasting with the approach taken by Google Chrome, where users can opt out of cookies. The findings also come shortly after Google resumed device fingerprinting, a technique previously discontinued for its potential privacy risks. Critics argue that this practice, like the silent tracking on Android devices, compromises user control over personal data.

In response, Google stated that privacy is a top priority and the company complies with relevant privacy laws, disagreeing with the study’s legal analysis. However, the study raises questions about compliance with EU data protection regulations, specifically the e-Privacy Directive, which requires user consent before storing information on devices.

This report adds to previous studies showing Google’s extensive data collection practices, urging regulators to better protect Android users’ privacy. The ongoing lack of transparency and control over data storage further highlights the need for stronger regulations to ensure user consent and data protection. This increasing scrutiny calls for clearer, more enforceable privacy policies to safeguard personal information across platforms.