Digital rights organization demands end to forced AppCloud installations in WANA region.
SMEX, a leading digital rights organization based in Beirut, published an open letter demanding Samsung end forced AppCloud installations on A and M series devices in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. The letter highlights GDPR violations, lack of user consent, and concerns about Israeli company involvement.
SMEX identifies multiple legal violations including GDPR non-compliance, violation of Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and legal concerns in countries where Israeli companies are barred from operating.
Open Letter: End Forced Israeli-Founded Bloatware Installations
Organization: SMEX (Social Media Exchange)
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Focus: Digital rights across West Asia and North Africa (WANA)
Disclose the full privacy policy and data handling practices of AppCloud, making this information easily accessible to all users.
Offer a straightforward and effective method for users to opt out of AppCloud and remove it from their devices without compromising device functionality or warranty.
Provide a clear explanation for the decision to pre-install AppCloud on all A and M series devices in the WANA region.
Reconsider the continued pre-installation of AppCloud on future devices, in line with Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Request a meeting with the relevant Samsung teams to discuss these issues in detail and understand Samsung's approach to user privacy and data protection.
AppCloud is deeply integrated into the device operating system, making it nearly impossible for regular users to uninstall without root access, which voids warranties and poses security risks. Even disabling the bloatware is ineffective as it can reappear after system updates.
The bloatware collects sensitive user data, including biometric information, IP addresses, and device fingerprints, without transparent disclosure of data handling practices.
A leading digital rights organization based in Beirut, dedicated to advancing human rights in the digital age across the WANA region. SMEX works to protect freedom of expression, privacy, and digital security for users throughout West Asia and North Africa.
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