Samsung is currently navigating a storm of controversy surrounding a pre-installed application on some of its budget-friendly devices, particularly those in the Galaxy A, M, and F series. The app, known as AppCloud, is designed to recommend popular third-party applications during the setup or update process. While many users have found this feature to be more of an inconvenience than a benefit, the app’s association with an Israeli-founded startup has ignited further debate.
Critics have labeled AppCloud as bloatware, suggesting that its persistent presence on devices serves to generate additional revenue for Samsung, especially as the company competes with lower-priced offerings from Chinese manufacturers. The app’s inability to be uninstalled has raised significant concerns regarding user privacy and autonomy.
Concerns Over Privacy and Surveillance
The developer of AppCloud, ironSource, which is now owned by Unity, has come under scrutiny for its potential role in data harvesting. Allegations have surfaced claiming that the app may function as a surveillance tool, particularly in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and India. This controversy is not entirely new; discussions around AppCloud have been ongoing for nearly two years, but recent activity on social media has reignited public interest.
A notable catalyst for this renewed scrutiny was a post on X from the account International Cyber Digest, which garnered an impressive 7.4 million impressions. The post characterized AppCloud as “unremovable Israeli spyware found on Samsung devices,” referencing an open letter from SMEX, a digital rights organization based in Lebanon. SMEX’s analysis posits that the presence of AppCloud on Samsung devices could have serious legal and ethical ramifications in West Asia and North Africa, where business dealings with Israel are often restricted.
Adding to the gravity of the situation is the fact that AppCloud operates with system app permissions, making it challenging for users to uninstall. While it is technically possible to remove the app using ADB commands, this method is not accessible to the average user, leaving many feeling trapped with the application.
IronSource’s history of bundling applications with installers on platforms like Windows and macOS has also drawn attention. Their previous service, installCore, was criticized for enabling monetization without explicit user consent, leading to its classification as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) by anti-malware software.
Though the claims regarding AppCloud’s use for spying remain unverified, the app’s pre-installed status and the difficulty of removal have understandably unsettled many users. As the uproar continues, there is speculation that Samsung may eventually offer users the option to uninstall or at least disable AppCloud, allowing them to turn off recommendations permanently. However, no official guarantees have been made. Samsung has been approached for comment, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
