In recent revelations, it has come to light that Realme smartphones may have been quietly gathering sensitive user data without the knowledge of their owners. The concern revolves around Realme UI 4.0, the Android 13-based skin, which has been specifically highlighted for its potential privacy and security risks. To understand how Realme Smartphones might be collecting personal information without consent, it is important to delve deeper into this issue.
The Issue of Data Collection on Realme Smartphones
The discovery of this feature was first made by the popular Indian technology YouTube channel, Trackin Tech, during their review of the Realme 11 Pro+. Their investigation uncovered that Realme UI 4.0 comes with a system setting known as “Enhanced Intelligent Services,” which is enabled by default on Realme smartphones.
Essentially, Realme has been capturing various aspects of users’ intimate personal data, which they would not willingly share with anyone, including their smartphone manufacturer. This data collection process is deeply embedded within the smartphone’s settings, making it virtually undetectable to those who are not well-versed in technology. Consequently, the majority of users remain unaware of their data being gathered.
The gravity of this situation has prompted a response from Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology. In an official tweet, he assured the public that the Government of India, in conjunction with the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), will initiate an investigation into these allegations. Since its announcement, Realme UI 4.0 has faced significant criticism, primarily due to the excessive bloatware, intrusive ads, numerous bugs, and the presence of explicit content. While Realme has attempted to address some of these concerns, the serious issue of user privacy and security cannot be overlooked.
If you are a Realme, OnePlus, or Oppo smartphone user and want to protect your personal data, it is crucial to disable the “Enhanced Intelligent Services” feature. Follow these steps to turn it of Now from Your Phonef:
- Open the Settings menu on your device and navigate to “System Services” within the Additional Settings section.
- Within “System Services,” you will find the option for “Enhanced Intelligent Services,” which is enabled by default. Simply toggle this option off to prevent your personal data from being shared with the Chinese phone manufacturer.
Given the recent developments, it is essential for us to critically evaluate the devices we use on a daily basis. Our digital data and assets hold immense importance, and it is vital that no entity, except ourselves, has unauthorized access to them. While we cannot escape the reliance on technology in 2023, we must exercise caution and make informed choices about the products we incorporate into our lives.