As Android users, we’re often proud of the level of control we have over our devices, apps, and settings – a key advantage over iPhone users. However, Google has recently thrown a wrench into the works. It’s come to light that a questionable scanner app has been running in the background on all Android devices. This software, called SafetyCore, has been active on all devices with Android 9 or later since October last year. Its purpose is to specifically search for nude images that users receive or create and send.
This has raised legitimate concerns, as Google initially claimed that SafetyCore was meant to provide a “privacy-friendly, device-internal protection infrastructure for apps.” Instead, it’s filtering out sensitive content to warn users. The app has received scathing reviews on the Google Play Store, with an average rating of only 1.4 stars. Many reviews express frustration that the app was installed on their devices without their consent. Google argues that SafetyCore is a crucial system component necessary for app usage.
How the Scan Works
Apparently, the app uses special AI algorithms to recognize sensitive content, such as nude photos, in apps like Google Messages and warns users about them. It also alerts users before sending potentially explicit images. While the idea behind this feature is to protect individuals, particularly women and minors, from sexual harassment via direct messages, the execution has been met with resistance due to the app’s unauthorized activation. Additionally, it’s unclear which apps are utilizing SafetyCore.
Android developers emphasize that the app doesn’t send any information to Google and only performs local scans on the device. Nevertheless, Android users feel blindsided by this development.
Deactivating SafetyCore
To deactivate the app, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper into your device’s settings, as SafetyCore is relatively hidden and doesn’t appear as an app icon in the search function. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to your device’s Settings.
- Tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications / App Management.
- Select Show all apps, then tap the three-dot menu and choose Show system processes.
- Search for Android System SafetyCore in the list.
- Tap on SafetyCore and select Uninstall to remove the app from your device. If the option is grayed out, you may be able to at least Disable it.
- Alternatively, you can also manage the app’s permissions, although this option might be grayed out on some devices.
Whether you want to uninstall the app to send sensitive content without restrictions or due to security concerns, this should resolve the issue for now. However, it’s possible that the app may be reinstalled with a new Android update or a device reset, as it’s a system app. In that case, you’ll need to follow these steps again.