Samsung installs the “Eklado” app on Galaxy A9 and M series phones, which is undeletable and developed by an Israeli company
Samsung has installed the “Eklado” application on some of its mobile devices from the Galaxy A9 and M series, which is undeletable and was developed by an Israeli company. The app collects users’ information in North Africa, West Asia, and other regions.
In response, the digital rights organization "SMEX" urged Samsung to disclose its policies regarding the pre-installation of the Eklado app, which it said violates privacy practices and leaves users without a clear option to unsubscribe or delete it.
SMEX noted that the app, developed by the Israeli company “IronSource,” collects personal data from users without their knowledge or consent, and it cannot be removed from the device.
The organization indicated that Samsung started installing this app in 2022, specifically on A and M series devices in North Africa and West Asia. It emphasized that the app is undeletable and deeply integrated into the system, making it nearly impossible for ordinary users to access or delete it without root access, which, if attempted, may compromise the device’s security.
SMEX highlighted that the app’s privacy policy lacks transparency, with no clear explanation of how data is collected or processed, nor any mechanism for users to opt-out. This raises serious concerns about potential data breaches.
The organization further noted that Samsung collects sensitive user data, including unique device identifiers, location, IP address, and other information, without adequate safeguards. This violates European data protection standards and the laws of several North African and West Asian countries.
SMEX demanded that Samsung fully disclose its privacy policies and practices related to the Eklado app and ensure this data is not easily accessible to third parties.
It also provided users with a clear and effective method for unsubscribing from the app and deleting it without affecting the device’s core functions. SMEX called for an official explanation from Samsung regarding the legality of pre-installing the Eklado app on A and M series devices in West Asia and North Africa.
