SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus was found to be collecting data that don’t keep the user anonymous, according to security researcher Chris Moore in a blog post.
While nearly all tech manufacturers and brands today collect user data in some form or another, the difference with OnePlus and its OxygenOS operating system is that data such as the phone number, mobile network names, and the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IEMI) are also collected.
This causes a privacy issue, since one’s activity on a OnePlus phone may be traceable and easily identifiable.
Other information collected by the phones include the frequency by which you unlock your phone, the Wi-Fi networks you connect to, and the apps you make use of. These kinds of information are also collected by other manufacturers, but in OnePlus’ case, the data can be traced to a specific user because of its collection of the sensitive information mentioned above.
Adding to the problem is that, in this instance, OnePlus doesn’t ask for user consent first before collecting the data. It’s common practice today among tech brands to make sure that they get explicit user permission first before collecting data from users.
Engadget ran OnePlus’ response to the controversy, explaining how it collects the data. The smartphone maker said it collects via two streams that lead to an Amazon server. One is usage analytics, which OnePlus said it uses to fine-tune its software, and can be turned off. The other transmits device information, which can’t be turned off without performing some advanced debugging.
Below is OnePlus’ full statement:
“We securely transmit analytics in two different streams over HTTPS to an Amazon server. The first stream is usage analytics, which we collect in order for us to more precisely fine-tune our software according to user behavior. This transmission of usage activity can be turned off by navigating to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Advanced’ -> ‘Join user experience program’. The second stream is device information, which we collect to provide better after-sales support.” – Rappler.com
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