GSMArena.com GSMArena.com

Tip us

1.5m
109k
RSS

EV

Merch

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Featured
  • Phone Finder
  • Deals
  • MerchNew
  • Coverage
  • Contact
ADVERTISEMENTS

OnePlus has been collecting very specific usage data

  • Post your comment
  • Comments (81)

Ricky 10 October 2017

OnePlus Android Misc

Chris D Moore has released a comprehensive post that details his own discoveries. First of all, this was all demonstrated with Moore’s OnePlus 2. So we don’t currently know if the same thing is occurring in the more current OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 5 models. I’m sure we’ll find out soon. (Update: the statement below pretty much affirms that all OnePlus models are collecting usage data)

Moore first discovered this when he set up a security tool on his OnePlus 2, but to his surprise, the tool found traffic requests to open.oneplus.net, which directed traffic to a US-based Amazon AWS server.

Anyway, without getting too in depth, Moore found out more of what was being sent to this domain: IMEI number, MAC addresses, mobile network names, Wi-Fi SSIDs, and the phone’s serial number. He even discovered that time stamps were signaling when apps were opened and closed - stamped with the serial number of his device.

This is eerily too much information to be collecting, particularly when it can be traced back to a phone’s serial number.

Back in January, he asked OnePlus support how to disable the data collection, to which OnePlus gave unproductive answers like wiping the cache and performing a factory reset. That’s when another user on Twitter suggested he dig around on the OnePlus forums to see what he could find.

Hey @OnePlus_Support, it's none of your business when I turn my screen on/off or unlock my phone - how do I turn this off? /cc:@troyhunt pic.twitter.com/VihaIDI6wP

— Christopher Moore (@chrisdcmoore) January 13, 2017

After deeper investigation, the culprit responsible for data collection is a system app called “OnePlus System Service”. The app can’t be turned off since it is part of the System, but it can be manually disabled every time the phone is restarted.

A better, more permanent alternative would be to run an adb command to disable the app. Jakub Czekanski gave the suggestion early this morning, which is likely what caused the post to regain traction. here's the command: pm uninstall -k --user 0 net.oneplus.odm

@chrisdcmoore I've read your article about OnePlus Analytics. Actually, you can disable it permanently: pm uninstall -k --user 0 pkg

— Jakub Czekański (@JaCzekanski) October 10, 2017

OnePlus did give a statement regarding the information collected to which is had the following to say:

We securely transmit analytics in two different streams over HTTPS to an Amazon server. The first stream is usage analytics, which we collect in order for us to more precisely fine tune our software according to user behavior. This transmission of usage activity can be turned off by navigating to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Advanced’ -> ‘Join user experience program’. The second stream is device information, which we collect to provide better after-sales support.

Granted, we’re sure OnePlus isn’t the only company collecting usage information. In a time where user information and security of sensitive information is becoming more important, a transparent and comprehensive understanding of what information is being collected and for what purpose (as well as the option to completely opt out of such collection) would be greatly appreciated in any situation.

Source | Via 1 | Via 2

Related articles
  • As OnePlus 5 stock runs low, the likelihood of 5T increases As OnePlus 5 stock runs low, the likelihood of 5T increases
  • You can now buy the colorful OnePlus 5 JCC+ in Europe You can now buy the colorful OnePlus 5 JCC+ in Europe
  • OnePlus 5T allegedly cancelled, OnePlus 6 to launch in early 2018 OnePlus 5T allegedly cancelled, OnePlus 6 to launch in early 2018
  • OnePlus 5 running Oreo found in Geekbench database OnePlus 5 running Oreo found in Geekbench database

Reader comments

n
  • no-fan
  • 7s$
  • 14 Oct 2017

You agreed to iOS that either u or anybody would ever find out what Apple is collecting bcoz its apple's bedroom stuff (a windowless bedroom)

  • Reply
D
  • AnonD-190634
  • a3T
  • 14 Oct 2017

I don't get why I should worry about them knowing it. it could be for learning user habits and improving things. still not nice of them to not clearly indicate they're doing that at the beginning. but people are paranoid too

  • Reply
.
  • .alpha
  • ytx
  • 13 Oct 2017

You use Android you agreed to be spied upon.

  • Reply
  • Read all comments
  • Post your comment
Total reader comments: 81

ADVERTISEMENTS

Phone finder

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Lenovo
  • Xiaomi
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • vivo
  • Meizu
  • BlackBerry
  • Asus
  • Alcatel
  • ZTE
  • Microsoft
  • Vodafone
  • Energizer
  • Cat
  • Sharp
  • Micromax
  • Infinix
  • TCL
  • Ulefone
  • Tecno
  • BLU
  • Blackview
  • Acer
  • Panasonic
  • Plum

All brands Rumor mill

ADVERTISEMENTS

Top 10 by daily interest

  Device Daily hits  
1.Xiaomi 12S Ultra38,284
2.Xiaomi 12S Pro30,002
3.Nothing phone (1)24,562
4.Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G21,861
5.Xiaomi Poco F420,391
6.Samsung Galaxy A53 5G18,515
7.Xiaomi 12S17,630
8.Xiaomi Redmi Note 1117,183
9.Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max16,714
10.Samsung Galaxy A1314,692

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Shenzhen is the first city to allow L3 autonomous driving from August 1 Shenzhen is the first city to allow L3 autonomous driving from August 1 Hyundai is going to reveal TWO new N sports cars on July 15GAC reveals Space Concept - hydrogen fuel cell-powered van
ADVERTISEMENTS

Home News Reviews Compare Coverage Glossary FAQ RSS feed Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2000-2022 GSMArena.com Mobile version Android app Tools Contact us Merch store Privacy Terms of use Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data