Google Pixel 9 Pro XL; Data sharing every 15 minutes raises privacy concerns

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The most recent flagship model from Google, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, has reportedly been discovered to transmit an excessive volume of personal information to Google servers, prompting significant concerns regarding user privacy. Researchers from Cybernews have identified potential privacy issues associated with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone.

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Their investigation reveals that the device transmits data packets to Google every 15 minutes, encompassing details such as location, email address, phone number, network status, and various telemetry data. Additionally, the phone intermittently seeks to download and execute new code, which may pose security threats.

Researchers employed a “man-in-the-middle” technique to capture the data flow between the mobile device and Google’s servers. The device transmitted personally identifiable information (PII) to multiple endpoints, such as Device Management, Policy Enforcement, and Face Grouping.

Additionally, it conveyed location information even when GPS was turned off, utilizing nearby Wi-Fi networks for estimation purposes.

One additional observation noted was that the phone engaged with services without obtaining the user’s explicit consent. It accessed the Face Grouping feature of Google Photos, despite the researchers not having interacted with the Photos application, raising significant concerns regarding the processing of biometric data.

Furthermore, the Voice Search feature transmitted several data points, including the frequency of device restarts and a catalog of installed applications.

The device consistently communicated with Google servers to possibly acquire new software updates. It connected to a staging environment service, suggesting its ability for remote software installation. This situation has led to apprehensions regarding user autonomy over the device.

Although the device did not send data to external parties during the observation period, it frequently sought updates on scam-related numbers, likely for its call-screening functionality.

“The volume of data exchanged and the possibility of remote management raises questions about the true ownership of the device,” stated Aras Nazarovas, a researcher at Cybernews. Google has yet to address these findings.

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