Summarised by Centrist
Samsung is under growing pressure to explain why many of its budget and mid-range Galaxy phones ship with AppCloud, a pre-installed service that cannot be deleted by ordinary users and quietly reinstalls itself after updates.
AppCloud, developed by ironSource, an Israeli-founded company now owned by U.S.-based Unity, is designed to recommend third-party apps and generate advertising revenue. The service has existed for years, but recent social media posts and an open letter from digital rights group SMEX have reignited concerns over privacy and data collection.
SMEX says AppCloud is “deeply integrated” into the operating system and behaves like bloatware that users cannot meaningfully disable. The organisation alleges the service harvests device identifiers, IP data and usage habits without clear consent, a claim that has fuelled geopolitical sensitivities in regions where Israeli-linked technology is restricted.
Samsung says it complies with privacy laws, but has not clarified what data AppCloud collects or whether users will be given a simple uninstall option. Forbes reports no evidence of state surveillance, though it notes the “awkward optics” of an unremovable app with opaque data practices.
Critics say tech companies preload revenue-generating software on cheaper devices, while users expect more control and transparency over what runs on their phones. Pressure is mounting for Samsung to allow full removal of the service or provide clear disclosure about its data handling.
