Xiaomi Releases Browser Update Amid Accusations It Collects Private Browsing Data (cnet.com) 27
Xiaomi released software updates for its browser apps on Monday amid fresh accusations it's been collecting private data from people who use its phones and browser apps. CNET reports: In a blog post, Xiaomi said the update will allow you to switch off aggregated data collection while on incognito mode in its three browser apps: Mi Browser, Mi Browser Pro, and Mint Browser. The software update was rolled out on Google Play. "We believe this functionality, in combination with our approach of maintaining aggregated data in non-identifiable form, goes beyond any legal requirements and demonstrates our company's commitment to user privacy," the company said in its post.
The release of the software update comes after a Forbes report published last Thursday raised concerns about the Chinese phone-maker's use of private data. It suggested Xiaomi may be collecting data on the websites users visit as well as granular information about apps used and files opened on devices. In response to the report, Xiaomi defended its practices last week saying it's "fully compliant with user privacy protection laws and regulations in the countries and regions we operate in."
The release of the software update comes after a Forbes report published last Thursday raised concerns about the Chinese phone-maker's use of private data. It suggested Xiaomi may be collecting data on the websites users visit as well as granular information about apps used and files opened on devices. In response to the report, Xiaomi defended its practices last week saying it's "fully compliant with user privacy protection laws and regulations in the countries and regions we operate in."
The *who / what* browser? (Score:3)
Who uses this? Is it some Chromium derivative? I mean seriously, a third or fourth party browser that *doesn't* scrape personal data?
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People who buy a cheap phone and use whatever comes on it.
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Hate to tell you, but no. I got a a redmi note 7 pro for a few hundred bucks a few years ago and it came with their browser on it.
Their international model phones come pre-unlocked, so you can happily put Pixel Experience on, or use https://github.com/Szaki/Xiaom... [github.com] to remove whatever Xiaomi apps you don't want.
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Xiaomi Phones (Score:2)
All Xiaomi phones (except maybe the Android One ones?) come preloaded with Chrome and the Mi Browser, which is also based on Chrome. I prefer the regular Chrome although people will slower phones ofter say the Mi Browser is faster. It's up to you to use whichever browser...
I don't particularly have a problem with who scrapes my data specifically, I consider Google as bad as many Chinese companies. And at least Xiaomi makes some of the best Android devices, especially when it comes to value for money (they m
If it's made in China... (Score:1)
...America will try dissuade you from buying it.
The joke is wearing a bit too thin guys.
Re: If it's made in China... (Score:4, Funny)
You're in good hands. They know all about your privacy.
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I treat all products as hostile... you should too. ;)
But I suspect you may already know all this...
Re: If it's made in China... (Score:2)
It is just a case of so I want the US government to have my data, or do I want the US -and- the Chinese to both have my data? I don't use Chinese made network/computer products whenever possible.
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Re: If it's made in China... (Score:2)
Re: If it's made in China... (Score:2)
Re: If it's made in China... (Score:1)
Re: If it's made in China... (Score:2)
The data is the data. If they're redirecting traffic to China or anywhere else, it will be noticed when 50+ tb/s suddenly starts going weird places. The internet is not magic. Everything is extremely well monitored on the backbone. This is not your mom's AOL dialup line from the 80s.
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I suggest you purchase only Chinese products for all your data privacy needs. You're in good hands. They know all about your privacy.
It's quite an interesting question whether you would rather have your your data in the hands of a foreign government or your own?
Trump CAN do something (Score:2)
From the "whoops we got busted" files (Score:4, Insightful)
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They didn't even say they removed the data collection, they merely said you can avoid it by browsing in incognito in the 3 apps they provide.
Also released code excerpt (Score:2)
They also released a snippet of code [mi.com] showing how they handled this in the browser.
And what about Wladimir Palant's analytic dive? (Score:1)
No comments about the further (much more detailed, and much more damning) information revealed in Wladimir Palant's blog post on the issue? (https://palant.info/2020/05/04/are-xiaomi-browsers-spyware-yes-they-are.../)