topic Re: Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE in Archived Posts

Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE

TheCoat — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 11:37:11 GMT

I have recently upgraded from a Samsung S3 to an A21S. I returned the phone the same day as it was preinstalled with Facebook and Netflix. I trust neither of these companies with my data. Has anyone been able to buy/upgrade to an android phone that does not have these apps installed. I am not interested in just disabling them, I don't want them on the phone.

Re: Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE

XRaySpeX — Sun, 22 Nov 2020 01:32:02 GMT

I don't think Huawei phones are allowed to have these apps.

Re: Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE

Christopher_G — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:29:31 GMT

Hi @TheCoat

Welcome to the community.

Neither apps would have access to your data unless you log in and give access to them.

They can be deleted, if you would not like to have them on your phone.

Chris

Re: Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE

Ibra0ffline — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:35:04 GMT

Say whaaaaattttt?

Re: Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE

TheCoat — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:36:24 GMT

Thanks for the reply, sadly I think Huawei may just open a separate can of worms for me regarding security.

Re: Can I buy an android phone without Facebook pre installed from EE

TheCoat — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:45:30 GMT

Hi Christopher, I spoke directly with Samsung. The apps can not be uninstalled only disabled. They are now integrated to their OS. Samsung and I guess a lot of other mobile device companies are starting see this as another revenue stream using this type of integration with 'partners' who pay them to include their apps. Once the integration is in place, as a customer you start to lose control and visibility of who has what data. Due to the application now being integrated to the OS it really comes down to a question of trust and Samsung have now lost mine as they have removed the ability to control what goes on the phone.

Before you assume I am just a complete crackpot, I do have 30 years application development under my belt including 3 years in the world of mobile device technology. (However the mobile work was 20 years ago!)