Realme responds to backlash by disabling 'Data Collection' feature on select phones

Delhi : Realme, a prominent smartphone maker that has been in the news for unauthorised data collecting via enhanced intelligent services, is now pushing out a new update that will disable the setting on selected chosen models. The freshly released Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+ have already begun to get software updates automatically and without user involvement.

With the software update, the firm will not only disable the improved intelligent services, but it will also modify the definition and stop collecting call records and SMS. If you're wondering why Realme is releasing this update, here's a timeline of what's happened.

1. YouTube Video

TrakinTech, a well-known YouTuber, produced a video in which he illustrated how Realme gathers data with improved intelligent features that are enabled by default to improve the user experience.

2. Screenshot from Twitter

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar saw a screenshot taken by a Twitter user under his own profile. The case was then probed further by the proper authorities, according to Chandrasekhar.

3. OnePlus and Oppo were also involved.

Soon after Realme made headlines, other Chinese smartphone manufacturers, such as Oppo and OnePlus, activated the feature by default and began gathering data.

4. Official Statement from Brands

Following the uproar, Realme published an official statement saying, "All data processed in this service is encrypted and stored in encrypted hardware within the user's device, strictly in compliance with Android security mechanisms." Furthermore, the statement clarified that, contrary to the existing definition, the firm does not link any data on SMS, phone calls, timetables, and so on.