Monitoring software on some US Android phones sent text messages, location info to China [u]

Pre-installed software on some Android phones from a developer contracted to develop the software for an undisclosed Chinese manufacturer sends the contents of text messages composed on the device, in addition to other user metadata, to a server in China.

Security researchers Kryptowire discovered the software that sends user locations, contacts, and text messages to a server once every 72 hours when connected to Wi-Fi. The code is on 700 million phones, according to developer Shanghai Adups Technology.

U.S. manufacturer BLU Products says that 120,000 of its phones have the software installed, and that it has recently updated the software to eliminate the monitoring.

According to Shanghai Adups Technology, the software installed on BLU's phones was a "mistake" and the package was never intended for phones destined for the U.S. According to the developer, the software was created at the request of an undisclosed Chinese phone manufacturer ostensibly to assist with customer support and tracking down junk text messages and unwanted phone calls.

It is not clear how many phones internationally have the monitoring software installed, and Shanghai Adups Technology refuses to say what manufacturers have bought the software. ZTE and Huawei currently use software from the developer as well.

Update: According to a statement issued by ZTE on the matter, the company has not installed the software on any U.S. devices.

The Department of Homeland Security has been advised of the situation, and is "working with our public and private sector partners to identify appropriate mitigation strategies," according to the New York Times.

BLU Products also makes an array of iOS accessories and cases, unaffected by the monitoring package. More than 30 million BLU devices have been sold in 40 countries, according to the company. BLU is also currently being sued by BlackBerry for alleged violation of eight patents belonging to the Canadian manufacturer.

30 Comments

ireland 17435 comments · 18 Years

About 7 years ago

Here comes the wall builder to out monitor them.

sflocal 6133 comments · 16 Years

AppleInsider said:

According to Shanghai Adups Technology, the software installed on BLU's phones was a "mistake"

Bullshit. They got caught and now trying to backpedal. Just another nail in Android's coffin. When Apple was making news for their phones being so locked-down while Android's creator Google being so quiet? This is why. Android is a joke of an OS and it banks on the user's stupidity to use their crappy software.

I pity the chinese user. China's government is so archaic, it just amazes me that the chinese population has not revolted and bring that government down.

cali 3494 comments · 10 Years

sog35 said:

This is yet ANOTHER REASON why Apple should GTFO of China

Yes this means sales will be down 25% but who cares. I don't, even as shareholder.

I can see the bigger picture. The less the company is reliant on China the better.

That Tim Cook put all his eggs in the China basket is a total failure and lack of vision.
And now that China sales are down 40% and all this crap is going on, Timmy ole boy has EGG ON HIS FACE.

Instead of trying to cater to US/Europe/Japan customers Timmy ole Boy focused 100% on China. Gold phones. Gold watches. Giant phones. No premium 4 inch phones. BAM. Now it blows up on his face like a samdung phone.

China wants access to Apple iCloud serves in China.
China wants the source code of iOS.
FUC THEM. No way. GTFO of China.

Take the short term hit and see the stock go down to $85. Buy up a crap load of stock. Repatriate the $200 billion in cash on a low tax rate. Then buy up HALF of the company shares in one swoop.

In a couple years the stock will be at $250 without China. Then when China learns to treat Apple with respect, Apple can bring its products back to China.

Till them, go to hell China.
I'm not racist. My grandmother was 100% Chinese (RIP) and I loved here dearly.

Timmy ole Boy entering china where Google has ZERO traction was a smart move. Imagine what Google would pay to have this "problem".

gatorguy 24602 comments · 13 Years

cali said:

sog35 said:

This is yet ANOTHER REASON why Apple should GTFO of China

Yes this means sales will be down 25% but who cares. I don't, even as shareholder.

I can see the bigger picture. The less the company is reliant on China the better.

That Tim Cook put all his eggs in the China basket is a total failure and lack of vision.
And now that China sales are down 40% and all this crap is going on, Timmy ole boy has EGG ON HIS FACE.

Instead of trying to cater to US/Europe/Japan customers Timmy ole Boy focused 100% on China. Gold phones. Gold watches. Giant phones. No premium 4 inch phones. BAM. Now it blows up on his face like a samdung phone.

China wants access to Apple iCloud serves in China.
China wants the source code of iOS.
FUC THEM. No way. GTFO of China.

Take the short term hit and see the stock go down to $85. Buy up a crap load of stock. Repatriate the $200 billion in cash on a low tax rate. Then buy up HALF of the company shares in one swoop.

In a couple years the stock will be at $250 without China. Then when China learns to treat Apple with respect, Apple can bring its products back to China.

Till them, go to hell China.
I'm not racist. My grandmother was 100% Chinese (RIP) and I loved here dearly.

Timmy ole Boy entering china where Google has ZERO traction was a smart move. Imagine what Google would pay to have this "problem".

Apparently not enough. . . :)

Soli 9981 comments · 9 Years

sog35 said:

This is yet ANOTHER REASON why Apple should GTFO of China

[...]

FUC THEM. No way. GTFO of China.

[…]

Till them, go to hell China.
I'm not racist. My grandmother was 100% Chinese (RIP) and I loved here dearly.

Is this going to be your new OCD focus? Come into every thread and say Apple should stop selling HW in China?