Is Android System SafetyCore Safe?

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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