jackFeb 5, 2025

You remember #Apple scanning all images on your #mobile device?

If you have an #Android #phone, a new app that doesn't appear in your menu has been automatically and silently installed (or soon will be) by #Google. It is called #AndroidSystemSafetyCore and does exactly the same - scan all images on your device as well as all incoming ones (via messaging). The new spin is that it does so "to protect your #privacy".

You can uninstall this app safely via System -> Apps.

https://developers.google.com/android/binary_transparency/google1p/overview

Google System APK Transparency  |  Android Binary Transparency  |  Google for Developers

Google for Developers
Show threadGytis RepečkaFeb 6, 2025

@jack How do you know that it scans images?

Are there any traces collected, sources available or these are speculations? 

Show threadGytis RepečkaFeb 6, 2025
@jack Sorry, it is rather well explained in Google documentation linked 
5 new protections on Google Messages to help keep you safe

Posted by Jan Jedrzejowicz, Director of Product, Android and Business Communications; Alberto Pastor Nieto, Sr. Product Manager Google Messa...

Google Online Security Blog
Show threadlostdoco
@gytisrepecka @jack thanks for posting this - it seems like this is an opt-in feature for adults and remains entirely on device.
Feb 8, 2025 at 9:25amWeb
Show threadAlexanderMarsFeb 8, 2025
@lostdoco @gytisrepecka @jack sure it is, totally benign right, besides you've got nothing hide right?
Show threadI-baLLFeb 9, 2025
@AlexanderMars @lostdoco @gytisrepecka @jack kinda sounds like you didn't read it. Nothing to hide from yourself? If it's on the device only then what are you referring to?
Show threadGytis RepečkaFeb 9, 2025
@i_ball @AlexanderMars @lostdoco @jack Even for offline scanning I don't need or want such functionality, which potentially could feed other Google services in the future