Realme has found itself in hot water as its latest user interface, Realme UI 4.0, faces accusations of collecting user data without proper consent. Users have raised concerns regarding a particular feature called “Enhanced Intelligent Services,” which comes enabled by default on Realme devices.
A growing number of users have shared screenshots highlighting the enabled status of the Enhanced Intelligent Services feature, sparking debates around user privacy. The feature, which claims to enhance the user experience by optimizing device functions based on individual usage patterns, reportedly collects various types of user information. This includes device details, app usage statistics, location data, calendar events, unread SMS messages, missed calls, and more.
Realme UI 4.0 Allegation details
However, what remains unclear is whether the collected data stays exclusively on the user’s device or if it is transmitted to remote servers, raising significant concerns regarding data security and privacy. The feature requires access to sensitive information such as location, internet connectivity, call logs, calendar events, and messages.
The issue caught the attention of Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who took note of user complaints and assured a thorough investigation into the matter. Realme has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations, leaving users and privacy advocates anxious for clarification.
For users concerned about their data privacy, it is advisable to disable the Enhanced Intelligent Services feature. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Additional Settings > System Services and disabling the feature from there.
It is worth noting that similar features exist on OPPO and OnePlus smartphones as well. Since Realme UI 4.0 is based on ColorOS 13, a user interface shared by BBK-owned brands, it is expected to have many system features in common. Similarly, Oxygen OS 13, based on ColorOS 13, shares most of the underlying features with some minor design tweaks.
The allegations against Realme UI 4.0 shine a spotlight on the importance of user consent and data privacy in the digital age. As smartphones become an integral part of our lives, it is crucial for manufacturers to be transparent about the data they collect and ensure that users have complete control over their personal information.
As the investigation progresses, users and industry observers will be eagerly awaiting Realme’s response to the allegations. It remains to be seen how the company addresses these concerns and implements measures to safeguard user privacy moving forward.
