Motorola phones have started hijacking the Amazon app to insert affiliate codes (9to5google.com)

Article summary

Motorola phones have been found to be hijacking the Amazon app to insert affiliate codes, a behavior that has been observed on certain devices, including the Razr Fold. This is done through a pre-installed app called Smart Feed, which redirects users to a URL with an affiliate code when they open the Amazon app from the app drawer. Motorola has stated that this behavior was unintended and has since stopped it. The incident has raised concerns about the company's practices and the potential for similar issues in the future.

Main themes

• Motorola affiliate code hijacking
• Smart Feed app behavior
• Android security and privacy
• Corporate practices and accountability
• Mobile device bloatware and tracking

What commenters say

• The behavior is seen as a clear example of a company prioritizing profits over user trust and experience.
• Some argue that the incident may be the result of a rogue employee or a mistake rather than a deliberate decision by Motorola.
• Others believe that the collaboration between Motorola and GrapheneOS may be compromised by Motorola's questionable practices.
• There are concerns that code review processes may be insufficient to prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Some commenters suggest that the use of affiliate codes and tracking is a common practice in the industry and not unique to Motorola.
• The incident has led some to question the trustworthiness of Chinese tech companies and their commitment to user privacy.
• A few commenters argue that the issue is not unique to Motorola and that other companies, including Google, engage in similar practices.
• Some propose that users should consider alternative phone options that prioritize privacy and security, such as devices from companies that do not rely on advertising revenue.