Researchers examined 82,000 preinstalled Android apps to examine the privacy and security risks associated with preloaded software, TechCrunch reports. The study showed Android’s permission model allows numerous actors to gather personal information. “At the same time, it reveals that the end user is not aware of these actors in the Android terminals or of the implications that this practice could have on their privacy,” the report states. The researchers found many preloaded Android apps displayed “potentially dangerous or undesired behavior.” “We appreciate the work of the researchers and have been in contact with them regarding concerns we have about their methodology,” a Google spokesperson said.
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