this post was submitted on 19 Sep 2025
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Samsung Embeds Israeli Surveillance App on Phones Across MENA (www.moroccoworldnews.com)
submitted 1 month ago by floofloof@lemmy.ca to c/technology@lemmy.world
17 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36145028

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa — is warning that Israeli-linked software secretly embedded in Samsung phones across the MENA region poses a serious surveillance threat.

According to SMEX, Samsung’s A and M series devices either come preloaded with the app “Aura” or install it automatically through system updates, without the user’s consent. The application reportedly collects a wide range of personal and device-specific data, including IP addresses, device fingerprints, hardware details, and network information.

​​In 2022, Samsung MENA partnered with Israeli tech company IronSource, integrating its Aura software into Galaxy A and M series phones across the region. The partnership was publicly marketed as a way to “enhance user experience” with AI-powered apps and content suggestions.

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[–] IndustryStandard@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

They would likely be detected by modern airport security if they put in actual explosives.

All battery powered devices go through the scanner separately.

[–] DeathByBigSad@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The israeli pager/walkie-talkie attack's tampered equipments (filled with explosives) completely bypassed airport security...

[–] IndustryStandard@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Actually that is true. So you are right they probably could easily rig phones.

[–] teft@piefed.social 2 points 1 month ago

Yes, i mentioned in my comment how they’d be easier to detect.