Realme was recently accused of collecting personal user data through a Realme UI 4.0 feature known as  “Enhanced Intelligent Services.” The description of this feature explicitly mentions that it collects data like device information, app usage statistics, location data, calendar events, and statistics related to SMS messages and calls. What really sparked the controversy was the fact that this feature came enabled by default.

Rajeev Chandrashekar, Union Minister of Electronics and Technology said that the government would investigate and verify the claims. Realme later clarified that the feature is there for optimization purposes and the data in question is stored and processed locally. Now, Realme has rolled out a new update for the newly launched Realme 11 Pro 5G and Realme 11 Pro+ 5G which disables this option. The updates come with firmware version RMX3771_13.1.0.524(EX01) and RMX3741_13.1.0.524(EX01).

Image via FoneArena
Image via FoneArena

The update improves system stability and optimizes the power consumption of the camera. In order to prevent additional controversy, the update has also revised the “Enhanced Intelligent Services” feature’s description and has turned it off by default. The description now says that the feature focuses solely on improving the user experience by analyzing device usage patterns. Regarding the optimized charging functionality, it will now utilize local data and app usage statistics directly on the device, while obtaining permission for location information.

A comparable update is anticipated for other Realme devices operating on Realme UI 4.0, as well as devices from sister brands such as OnePlus and Oppo running Android 13. This forthcoming update is expected to modify the language describing this feature and also disable it by default. Reports from users indicate that this feature has been observed on devices from these brands.

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(via: Fonearena)

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