Google responds to claims Pixel smartphones send private user data to Google every 15 minutes

Google has responded to a recent report that claimed a Pixel smartphone was sending private user data back to Google servers every 15 minutes.

Google responds to claims Pixel smartphones send private user data to Google every 15 minutes
Comment IconFacebook IconX IconReddit Icon
Junior Editor
Published
3 minutes read time

Google has responded to the recent report that its Pixel smartphone was relaying private user information back to Google servers every 15 minutes, with the company's response refuting the claims from the report and providing additional background on the overall process.

Google responds to claims Pixel smartphones send private user data to Google every 15 minutes 45512

The report came from Cybernews, which looked at the web traffic between Google and its latest flagship smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The report stated that even before any app is installed, the device is sending private user data back to Google servers, with the researcher stating that every 15 minutes, a packet of data is sent back to Google servers, and within that packet is information such as an email address, phone number, location, network status, and other telemetry data.

Google has since responded to this report with a statement it has provided me, saying the report "lacks crucial context, misinterprets technical details, and doesn't fully explain that data transmissions are needed for legitimate services on all mobile devices regardless of the manufacturer, model or OS, such as software updates, on-demand features and personalized experiences."

"User security and privacy are top priorities for Pixel. You can manage data sharing, app permissions and more during device setup and in your settings. This report lacks crucial context, misinterprets technical details and doesn't fully explain that data transmissions are needed for legitimate services on all mobile devices regardless of the manufacturer, model or OS, such as software updates, on-demand features and personalized experiences," wrote a Google spokesperson in an emailed statement

Moreover, Google stated "user security and privacy are top priorities for Pixel" and that users are able to manage how their data is shared, the specific permissions applications have, and additional privacy settings during device setup and within the settings application.

As for Google's comments on the report itself, the search engine giant stated the researchers in the report "appear to have modified the device (rooting and installing man-in-the-middle certs) - so it is difficult to recreate these scenarios. These conditions could trigger unintended data checks."

Additionally, Google pointed to the report's lack of explanation within its methodology section, stating it "doesn't provide many details (did the researchers click 'yes' to 'Share Pixel usage & diagnostics information with Google' at setup, etc.)."

Google also pointed out there are "legitimate services" that require data transmission, and this is regardless of the device, manufacturer, and operating system.

Google's Arguments Against the Cybernews Report

  • The researchers appear to have modified the device (rooting and installing man-in-the-middle certs) - so it is difficult to recreate these scenarios. These conditions could trigger unintended data checks.
  • The report's methodology section doesn't provide many details (did the researchers click 'yes' to 'Share Pixel usage & diagnostics information with Google' at setup, etc.).
  • In general, data transmissions are needed for legitimate services - regardless of what device / manufacturer / OS.
  • For example you can see why Google Play services collects data here:
  • The report ends with 'Cybernews researchers believe that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.' so it seems the authors understand this but oddly don't mention it in the report.
  • The report notes "Google appears to have reserved some remote management and control capabilities for Pixel devices." in the context of CloudDPC. This is inaccurate. The only mechanisms for a company to control settings and take action on a device is through the forms of management made available via Android Enterprise (fully managed or corporate owned devices).
  • You can learn more about data practices in our privacy policy.
Photo of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Unlocked Android Smartphone
Best Deals: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Unlocked Android Smartphone
Country flag Today 7 days ago 30 days ago
Loading... Loading...
Buy
* Prices last scanned on 11/1/2024 at 6:04 pm CDT - prices may not be accurate, click links above for the latest price. We may earn an affiliate commission from any sales.

Junior Editor

Email IconX IconLinkedIn Icon

Jak joined the TweakTown team in 2017 and has since reviewed 100s of new tech products and kept us informed daily on the latest science, space, and artificial intelligence news. Jak's love for science, space, and technology, and, more specifically, PC gaming, began at 10 years old. It was the day his dad showed him how to play Age of Empires on an old Compaq PC. Ever since that day, Jak fell in love with games and the progression of the technology industry in all its forms.

Newsletter Subscription

Join the daily TweakTown Newsletter for a special insider look into new content and what is happening behind the scenes.

Related Topics

Newsletter Subscription