Lithuania’s cybersecurity agency, the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), said last week that Xiaomi smartphones hide a dark secret. More specifically, the ability to remotely censor certain terms and topics pointed out by the China-based manufacturer. Now, the creator of Lei Jun has released his answer.
Given the possibility that some Xiaomi smartphones censor issues disapproved by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the smartphone manufacturer had already announced that, in Europe, respect for the RPGD is absolute. Thus, he refuted the accusations, stating that on the European continent this possibility is just that. However, he did not deny the existence of such a mechanism.
Xiaomi hires cybersecurity expert to assess Lithuania prosecution
As we revealed on a previous occasion on 4gnews, the Lithuanian agency recommended users to “throw away Xiaomi smartphones.” To this he added the recommendation not to use Chinese brand smartphones.
The strange recommendation came as a result of the report published by the cybersecurity agency where serious indicators are presented. According to the study, Xiaomi can activate the “censorship mode” remotely on several of its smartphones.
Likewise, downloads and communications with Xiaomi’s servers were detected in order to download “lists of prohibited words and expressions.” In short, the report shows us a worrying scenario for Xiaomi products.
However, Xiaomi would respond quickly and succinctly through its channels. The brand claims to fully respect and protect the rights of users and their privacy on all their devices.
Xiaomi seeks to stabilize the market after the Lithuanian study
Also according to the study by the Latvian cybersecurity agency, the feature has been disabled in Europe, but it exists. Now, in response to these allegations, Xiaomi has hired an expert to investigate the claim that its smartphones have, built-in, the ability to censor the content presented.
It is important to contextualize the reader with the growing tensions between Vilnius and Beijing. A climate of growing tension, while Lithuania receives the support of the United States of America. Thus, it is possible that we have in Xiaomi a circumstantial victim of the diplomatic crossfire between both nations.
It is important to remember that it all started with the recognition of Taiwan’s independence from China last August. Following this unilateral act by Lithuania, Beijing ordered the return of the Latvian ambassador to Lithuania to serve in China.
In short, what began as a diplomatic crisis may now have turned into trade tensions, as noted. Reuters agency.
Xiaomi contests the study’s findings and again denies any censorship
In a press release, Xiaomi disputes several of the conclusions raised by the Latvian cybersecurity agency. Even more relevant is the fact that the Chinese manufacturer has now hired a cybersecurity expert to verify the veracity of such conclusions.
It should be noted, however, that this expert will be a third party, in order to ensure his impartiality. It should also be noted that Xiaomi did not reveal the identity of this agent, with the intention of maintaining his anonymity.
It is rumored, however, that this expert is actually a European-based organization with the right means to carry out the aforementioned effort.
Xiaomi also claims that the only warnings it made were those responsible for certain advertising content that could damage the susceptibility of its users. Only these figures have been the subject of some kind of reprimand by Xiaomi for presenting abusive, sexual or abusive content in the ads.
Ultimately, Xiaomi’s response was interpreted by the Lithuanian Defense Minister as an admission of guilt. Indeed, for the member of the Latvian government, Xiaomi ends up tacitly admitting the existence of blacklists in his company.
In turn, Xiaomi continues to insist on the affirmation of respect and compliance with the RGPD in Europe.