In a recent security update, Google is loading a new application, Android System SafetyCore, to Android phones. The application has permissions to do almost anything on the device. Google has been secret about what this application really is. In a blog post, Google states that this new functionality, Sensitive Content Warnings, is to keep us safe from nudity by blurring the results and warning us before we send images containing nudity.
“Sensitive Content Warnings give you control over seeing[sic] and sending images that may contain nudity. At Google, we aim to provide users with a variety of ways to protect themselves against unwanted content, while keeping them in control of their data. This is why we’re introducing Sensitive Content Warnings for Google Messages.” ~ Google
Google states that this is opt-in for adults, but I can not find any setting on my phone that looks like it controls this (let me know in the comments if you have found one).
Nudity? What Is Really Going On
Similar to Microsoft Recall and Apple’s Media Analysis, Android System SafetyCore is an AI agent that will do Client Side Scanning (CSS). Microsoft tells us this is to give us the ability to recall data we worked on in the past. Google is telling us that they are protecting us from nudity. To do this, these applications will take continuous screenshots of our system. An AI agent on the phone will then analyze the data using image processing – OCR, facial recognition, spotting nudity, etc.
Note that these applications will be taking screenshots of everything that we do. Writing an email – screenshot. Entering payment credentials for a website purchase – screenshot. Entering information into a password manager – screenshot. Writing an end-to-end-encrypted (E2EE) message in an app like Signal so someone like Google can not read the message – screenshot.
Sensitive Content Warnings and taking screenshots of everything we do on our devices are not features users are asking for, but these device OS manufacturers are creating them.
The ultimate goal (months or years in the future) is to get an AI on your device that will learn everything it can about you. These corporations will then use your information to earn revenue. It is a massive invasion of privacy. This reminds me of the Google Online Insights Study Program only it is more secret and more intrusive.
How To Remove
So how do you remove Android System SafetyCore from your Android phone? I will show you on my Samsung Galaxy S21, but your phone may be different. Also note that even if you do remove Android System SafetyCore, Google may reinstall it in the future.
First, open your phone settings. On my phone, I drag down from the top right corner of my phone and select the Settings icon.
Second, select Apps from the selections.
Third, select Android System SafetyCore.
Finally, Select Uninstall and select OK. If your system does not allow you to uninstall, select Disable.
The Bottom Line
Android System SafetyCore is an application Google is pushing onto our Android phones. Google is telling us that it is to protect us from nudity. In reality, it is Google trying to initiate its goal to install an AI agent on our phones that will do Client Side Scanning (CSS). Android System SafetyCore will take continuous screenshots of everything you do on your phone. Eventually, Google will use all this information to earn even more revenue from you. It is a massive invasion of privacy. You should remove it if you value your privacy.
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Thank you John. Found, uninstalled and will check monthly to see if it gets installed, Mindblower!
Hey Mindblower, You’re welcome. Let us know if you find that it has been reinstalled.
Thanks for the info John , Google and Microsoft made of the same fabric, always sneaking things in without our knowledge.
Uninstalled !
Hi Ed, Glad you found the article informative. And, I believe Google, Apple, and Microsoft are only increasing sneaking things in.
Thank you!!!!! Uninstalled on both our phones. Would never have known about this without your newsletter.
Hi Maddie, I’m glad you found the post interesting.
Thanks so much for keeping us informed!
Hey Larry, You’re welcome!
John, I appreciate your knowledge and information. I uninstalled this app today.
Have pleasant week.. Thank you kindly, Kathy
Hi Kathy, your welcome and I appreciate your comment. I hope you have a pleasant week too.
Just checked my phone, I guess there is an advantage to having an older android device as I doesn’t show in my apps. My Galaxy XCover 4 is maxed at version 9 and I guess they can’t be bothered since most people have upgraded.
Hi Ed,
It could still show up, just depends on if / when your XCover 4 gets an update. But, you may have an advantage with having an older device.
Thank you for your advice, I have removed it.
Hi Brendan,
I’m glad you found the article informative.
John, I passed your tip to an IT friend. He replied:
I’ve heard about this…we have a very high level of security at *****. Our CTO manages Soc2 and ISO27001. There were a lot of unfounded rumours. No one really thinks that Google is taking screenshots of everything you do. Not enough processor power or storage to manage this. Let alone running the analysis. And they would breach every privacy law on the planet! Estimates reckon there are 3.5 billion Android users!
Here you go….I love some data
3.5 billion users x 4 screenshots/hour x 24 hours/day x 500 KB per screenshot (still conservative)
Daily Storage Calculation: 3.5 billion users × 4 screenshots/hour × 24 hours = 336 billion screenshots/day 336,000,000,000 screenshots × 500 KB = 168,000,000,000,000 KB = ~153.5 petabytes/day Annual Storage: 153.5 PB/day × 365 days = ~56,527.5 petabytes/year = ~55.2 exabytes/year Context: Google is estimated to manage over 15 exabytes of data across Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and other services. 55+ exabytes per year just for screenshots would far exceed their current annual data footprint.
Sleep well, my friend….Google is not monitoring you looking at those Thai Bride Websites!
I would love to know what you think of his comments.
Hi Brendan, Your friend doesn’t understand what Client Side Scanning is. This is scanning on the client (i.e. your phone). Then the data is analyzed on your phone. All the screenshots are not being sent back, only the summarized data that Google has programmed the AI to send back. Tell your friend to read the Privacy Policy (which I linked to in my article on Google’s Online Insights Study Program)
https://davescomputertips.com/google-online-insights-study-program-exposed/
where Google described all the data that they collect in that program. The scanning and analysis of screenshots (which this app combined with an AI app) is the equivalent of the meters in that program.
i am wondering what type of LOAD this will place on the already weak system? and will it indeed become an ongoing problem.
Hi Charles, I would imagine that the load would be minimal. Remember, if you use “Hey Google” Siri, etc. these phones have been listening to every sound and analyzing those sounds every second they are on. Then they analyze the sounds and convert them to words listening for the “Hey Google” “Hey Siri”. They have been doing that for years and the computing power on these devices are increasing every year.
Thank you for this. It took me maybe ten seconds to find and uninstall this app on my old Pixel phone following the path through Settings. I’m relieved to be rid of it.
Your welcome GrannyGeek.