Android phones are sending significant amount of user data with no opt-out [pdf] (scss.tcd.ie)

Article summary

The article discusses how Android phones are sending significant amounts of user data without an opt-out option. Users are advised to check the privacy policies of their phone manufacturers and third-party apps. Some commenters suggest using alternative keyboards and operating systems to protect user data. The discussion revolves around the lack of transparency and regulation in data collection by phone manufacturers and third-party apps.

Main themes

• Android data collection
• User privacy
• Alternative keyboards and OS
• Regulation and transparency
• OEM control and keylogging
• Third-party app data collection

What commenters say

• Some argue that strong regulation is necessary to protect user privacy, while others believe it could worsen the problem by favoring large corporations.
• Using alternative keyboards and operating systems, such as OpenBoard and LineageOS, can help protect user data.
• The default keyboard on some Android phones, such as Samsung, collects and sells user data without explicit consent.
• Others suggest that disabling internet access to keyboards or using phones with microG, a Google Play Services alternative, can also help protect user data.
• There is a concern that even with alternative solutions, the underlying input method framework can still be controlled by the OEM, potentially allowing for keylogging.
• Some commenters feel betrayed by companies like Microsoft, which they trusted but later found to be collecting and using their data for tracking purposes.