Stealthy Installation of Android System SafetyCore Sparks Backlash among Users

What is Android System SafetyCore?

Android System SafetyCore is an app automatically installed by Google on Android devices as part of their security and child protection updates introduced in October 2024. Its primary function is to scan and categorize content on your phone, helping users avoid undesirable material. It requires at least 2GB of RAM and Android 9 or newer to run, and is also compatible with Android Go devices. You won’t find it in your app drawer, as it only appears in the system app list. SafetyCore reportedly scans images and videos locally to flag inappropriate content, but Google clarifies that it only scans images shared through the Messages app.

Should You Be Concerned About SafetyCore?

Despite Google’s assurances that all scanning is done locally with no data sent off your device, the app's sudden, unannounced appearance and its deep system access have raised concerns. It feels intrusive, as users weren’t given a clear heads-up, and many wonder why it has such broad access. Could it eventually scan more than just content shared via Messages? Even if it’s just scanning images, the potential for privacy issues remains—what if metadata is sent back to Google? The technology behind SafetyCore could easily be adapted for more widespread content monitoring.

Safety Feature or Bloatware?

There’s been considerable backlash online, with some calling Android System SafetyCore malware due to its stealthy installation. Many believe Google should have been transparent about its purpose—especially if the goal was child protection by scanning for explicit images. Apple faced similar criticism for introducing a comparable feature, which may explain why Google kept SafetyCore quiet. While Google has publicly announced "Sensitive Content Warnings" in Google Messages to flag harmful content, they didn’t mention SafetyCore. Users only discovered it by digging into their settings.

Cybersecurity Giant CrowdStrike Triggers Worldwide Computer to Blue Screen of Death

Recently, a widespread issue has paralyzed computers globally, initially mistaken for a cyber attack. Speculations pointed fingers at Microsoft, as only Windows systems seemed affected. However, the real culprit was CrowdStrike, a major cybersecurity firm renowned for its endpoint protection services, akin to antivirus for corporate fleets of computers. The problem stemmed from an automatic update pushed by CrowdStrike, designed to enhance security through its endpoint sensors. Unfortunately, a critical bug slipped into the update, causing affected computers—running CrowdStrike's software—to crash irreparably. Since the sensors operate at a deep system level, the glitch caused entire systems to enter a continuous cycle of crashes, known ominously as the "blue screen of death." CrowdStrike quickly acknowledged the issue and provided a fix, albeit a cumbersome one. Affected PCs must be manually booted into safe mode to remove specific files, a process that needs to be r...

Grok 3: The AI Chatbot Breaking Boundaries with Bold, Uncensored Responses

In the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, Grok 3 is quickly making waves both for its cutting-edge capabilities and its shocking, unfiltered personality. Developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, Grok 3 is an AI chatbot that has taken the internet by storm, especially among regular X (formerly Twitter) users in India. Known for its snarky responses, irreverent tone, and ability to learn from the unpredictable and sometimes profane language of users, Grok 3 is far from your average chatbot. Launched in February 2025, Grok 3 is a powerhouse of computational prowess, utilizing 12.8 trillion tokens to deliver responses that range from wildly intelligent to oddly rebellious. It’s trained with data from a variety of sources everything from legal filings to X posts giving it a diverse range of knowledge and a unique ability to engage in conversation that feels real, yet sometimes, unsettlingly raw. But it’s not just Grok 3’s wealth of knowledge that’s making headlines. The chatbot ...

AI tools on the dark web

As AI continues to develop, its role in cybercrime on the dark web will only increase. The ability of cybercriminals to experiment with AI-powered tools is a new frontier in the ongoing war between hackers and cybersecurity experts. The Dark Web is quickly becoming a testing ground for new AI-powered attacks. The bad actors can customize their methods and expand their scope of their crimes. 1. FraudGPT – When AI is the worst spammer FraudGPT is a tool that sends fake emails. Create a fraudulent website And it spreads malware like a 24/7 scam operation. It's so clever it can trick you into handing over sensitive information to hackers—just like your grandma's bank details! If installed correctly, it does not require too much energy to operate. 2. Angler AI – A fishing tool that personalizes your attacks. Angler AI is a secret tool. That changes perspective depending on how you respond. It's like a telemarketer who knows everything about you and can even pretend to be y...

Midnight Web by Rahul Banerjee

Search This Blog