A new controversy is brewing in the Android community, and this time, it’s about an unannounced system feature called Android System Safety Core. This background service was quietly added to almost all Android devices. This is the reason it has sparked outrage on social media and users are questioning its purpose and data collection practices. Some users are also claiming that the app is a resource hog and is consuming up to 2GB of RAM on their devices. This has fueled concerns about its impact on performance and battery life.
But what exactly is Android System Safety Core, why did Google add it, and should you be worried? Let’s understand it in this detailed article.
What is Android System Safety Core?
Android System Safety Core isn’t a typical app that you can open or uninstall. It is a system-level service designed to improve security, privacy, and emergency response on Android devices. The app analyzes app behavior to detect and block malware, phishing attempts, and other security risks before they can harm your device. It provides Emergency Location Services. Even if location services are turned off, it ensures your device can send accurate location data to emergency responders when you make an emergency call.
Privacy-Preserving Exposure Notifications that were introduced for COVID-19 contact tracing. This feature enables secure, anonymous exchange of exposure data between devices.
Google has confirmed that Sensitive Content Warnings in Google Messages will be powered by Android System Safety Core. It will automatically blur explicit images and alert users before they view or send such content. This feature helps prevent minors from unintentionally viewing or sharing explicit images. It will also give parents additional control over their children’s online safety. The system uses on-device machine learning to scan and classify images without sending data to Google’s servers, preserving user privacy while ensuring security.
Google will also use this system service for pushing security updates and privacy improvements at the core OS level.
Why Did Google Add System Safety Core?
Google always keeps trying to make Android more secure and privacy-focused. So, integrating these features at the system level helps achieve that. Threat detection at the OS level helps prevent malicious apps from causing harm. Features like exposure notifications and app reputation monitoring aim to protect users without collecting unnecessary personal data. Sensitive Content Warnings aim to protect minors and other users from viewing or sharing explicit content unintentionally. Having a dedicated security framework allows Google to push important security patches without waiting for full OS updates.
Why Are Users Upset?
While these features sound useful, Android users have raised several concerns. Google added System Safety Core to Android devices without any notification or permission request. This lack of transparency has led many to feel that Google is sneaking in new features without user knowledge.
Many users have noticed unexpected battery drain and increased data consumption linked to this system process. Since the service runs in the background, it raises concerns about how much data is being collected and transmitted. A system-level service that monitors apps and device activity naturally triggers privacy concerns. While Google claims that data collection is minimal and privacy-focused, the lack of explicit details fuels skepticism.
Many users feel uneasy knowing that a core system feature was added without any option to disable or remove it. This contributes to a growing frustration about the lack of control over one’s own device.
Should You Uninstall Android System Safety Core?
It is important to understand that Android System Safety Core is primarily a system service, not a typical user-installed app. There is an option to Uninstall it but it is not recommended to remove this app from your device. Since the system services are deeply integrated into the operating system and are often essential for core functionality, removing this app could create minor issues.
Some users have also reported that uninstallation of this app doesn’t help. It keeps reinstalling itself.
Wrap Up
The backlash against Android System Safety Core shows that users can easily be influenced by social media. A few posts talked about privacy and silent installation, and several are already trusted and are posting negative review on the Play Store. I know that the lack of transparency and control over system-level changes can be frustrating. But the aim of this service is to enhance security and privacy. Sensitive Content Warnings is a nice addition and it can prevent minors from viewing or sharing explicit content unintentionally. The silent rollout and unclear communication have fueled mistrust and concern. So, Google must take steps to be more open about such system changes and give users more control over their devices. Until then, users will continue questioning whether their privacy is truly being respected.
