#!/usr/bin/env bash # FYI : Exodus (https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/) lets you see all permissions and trackers in Google Play Store apps. # HELP ME : I got mad seeking for the meaning of VPL. A lot of people use it on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Bestbuy/search/?q=vpl&restrict_sr=1) # and I'm sure it's the good abbreviation but I don't know what V.P.L means !! It seems to refer to a special job for vendors. declare -a amazon=( "com.amazon.appmanager" # Mobile Device Information Provider # Seems related to Kindle "com.amazon.avod.thirdpartyclient" # Amazon Prime Video (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.avod.thirdpartyclient) # VOD service from Amazon. # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Video "com.amazon.mShop.android" # Amazon Shopping (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping) "com.amazon.fv" # Amazon App suite. Provides access to Amazon digital content "com.amazon.kindle" # Amazon Kindle (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.kindle) "com.amazon.mp3" # Amazon Music (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.mp3) # Amazon streaming app "com.amazon.venezia" # Amazon AppStore "com.amazon.aa" # Amazon Assistant app. Nice spyware ! # Show you recoomanded products available on Amazon and price compare as you shop across the web. # NOTE : https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/amazon-assistant-spies-on-you/ "com.amazon.aa.attribution" # Amazon Assistant Attribution. A spyware again ! # Tracking tool. Allows sellers to measure the impact of media channels **off Amazon** on sales. # https://www.repricerexpress.com/amazon-attribution/ "com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping" "com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping.vpl" # for VPL phones # Amazon Shopping (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping) # Same package as com.amazon.mShop.android. "com.amazon.clouddrive.photos" # Amazon Photos (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.clouddrive.photos) "in.amazon.mShop.android.shopping" # Amazon India (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.amazon.mShop.android.shopping) ) declare -a facebook=( # Facebook packages always run in background and send data to Facebook even if you don't have a Facebook account. "com.facebook.katana" # Facebook app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.katana) "com.facebook.system" # Facebook App Installer (empty shell app which incite you to install the Facebook app) "com.facebook.appmanager" # Facebook app manager handles Facebook apps updates. "com.facebook.services" # Facebook Services is a tool that lets you manage different Facebook services automatically using your Android device. # In particular, the tool focuses on searching for nearby shops and establishments based on your interests. # I don't know if this a dependency for com.facebook.katana but nobody cares because we all want to delete all the Facebook stuff right ?!! "com.facebook.orca" # Facebook Messenger (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca) "com.instagram.android" # Instagram (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android) "com.whatsapp" # Whatsapp (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp) ) declare -a microsoft=( "com.microsoft.skydrive" # Microsoft OneDrive (Cloud) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.skydrive) "com.skype.raider" # Skype (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skype.raider) "com.microsoft.office.excel" # Excel "com.microsoft.office.word" # Word "com.microsoft.office.outlook" # Outlook "com.microsoft.office.powerpoint" # Powerpoint "com.skype.m2" # Skype Lite (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skype.m2) "com.microsoft.office.officehubhl" # Office Mobile hub (on Samsung Phone) # Includes the complete Word, PowerPoint, and Excel apps to offer a convenient office experience on the go. "com.microsoft.office.officehub" # Microsoft Office Mobile # Includes the complete Word, PowerPoint, and Excel apps to offer a convenient office experience on the go. "com.microsoft.office.officehubrow" # Microsoft Mobile Office Beta "com.microsoft.appmanager" # Your Phone Companion - Link to Windows (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.appmanager) # Microsoft app for synchronising your phone with a W10 PC. ) declare -a misc=( "cci.usage" # My Consumer Cellular (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cci.usage) # Lets you manage your Consumer Cellular account, track your usage, pay your bill. # Consumer Cellular is an American postpaid mobile virtual network operator # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Cellular "com.aaa.android.discounts" "com.aaa.android.discounts.vpl" # AAA Mobile (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aaa.android.discounts) # Kind of GPS that helps you find Point of interest (POI) like hotels, restaurants, and car repair facilities from the AAA databases. # NOTE : You’ll have to sign up for an AAA membership to enjoy all of the features and functionality of the Android app. # AAA = American Automobile Association "com.aspiro.tidal.vpl" # for VPL mobiles/employees ? "com.aspiro.tidal" # Tidal Music (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aspiro.tidal) # Music streaming app "com.audible.application" # Cover Audible Audiobooks (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.audible.application) "com.blurb.checkout" # Blurb Checkout # Provides book purchase and checkout for Samsung’s Story Album app (discontinued) "com.booking" # Booking.com app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.booking) # Seriously, you shouldn't use it ! # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booking.com # https://blog.usejournal.com/why-i-would-never-trust-booking-com-again-so-you-should-too-a2ab535ed915?gi=7ebe86eaa880 # https://ro-che.info/articles/2017-09-17-booking-com-manipulation "com.caf.fmradio" # caf = CodeAurora Forum, a Linux Foundation Collaborative Project (https://www.codeaurora.org/) # All their code is open-source. # Provides tools to access FM radio. # OpenSource : https://source.codeaurora.org/quic/la/platform/vendor/qcom-opensource/fm/tree/fmapp2/src/com/caf/fmradio "com.cequint.ecid" # Caller ID from Cequint (https://www.cequint.com/) # https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-to-launch-caller-id-service-from-cequint # NOTE : Never trust a company which promotes call ID/spam blocking features. # https://itmunch.com/robocall-caught-sending-customers-confidential-data-without-consent/ # # Cequint was acquired by TNS (https://tnsi.com/) # That was not a good thing : https://www.geekwire.com/2013/earnouts-bad-cequint-execs-sue-parent-company/ "com.cnn.mobile.android.phone" # CNN Breaking US & World News app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cnn.mobile.android.phone) "com.contextlogic.wish" # Wish Shopping (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.contextlogic.wish) # You should not buy with Wish if you want my opinion. "com.cootek.smartinputv5.language.englishgb" "com.cootek.smartinputv5.language.spanishus" # TouchPal Keyboard by Cootek a chinese company. # Adware (lots lots of ads) # Worth reading : https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/google-banned-cootek-adware "com.crowdcare.agent.k" # Crowdcare is now Wysdom.AI (https://nitter.42l.fr/wysdomai) # From their Twitter description : The easiest way for businesses to improve customer satisfaction, contain costs, # and generate revenue by using #AI to power customer experiences. # Wysdom.AI has joined the Microsoft Partner Network in 2018 # https://wysdom.ai/privacy-policy/ (not good) "com.devhd.feedly" # Feedly (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devhd.feedly) # News aggregator application (RSS) # RSS aggregator are great but Feedly is really bad, especially privacy-wise. # https://feedly.com/i/legal/privacy # Better Alternative : https://github.com/FreshRSS/FreshRSS "com.diotek.sec.lookup.dictionary" # Samsung dictionary from Diotek (Korean company) # http://en.diotek.com/ "com.directv.dvrscheduler" # DIRECTV (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.directv.dvrscheduler) # Offical app from DIRECTV (subsidiary of AT&T) # Lets you watch Live TV, recorded shows, VODs and schedule recordings on your DVR # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DirecTV#Consumer_protection_lawsuits_and_violations "com.discoveryscreen" # Appflash (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.discoveryscreen) # Verizon Spyware. # https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/04/update-verizons-appflash-pre-installed-spyware-still-spyware "com.dna.solitaireapp" # Solitaire Game app from DNA company ? "com.draftkings.dknativermgGP.vpl" # DraftKings - Daily Fantasy Sports for Cash # App has been removed from the Playstore. # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DraftKings "com.drivemode" # Drivemode (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drivemode.android) # Simplifies how you manage calls and messages while driving. # https://drivemode.com/privacy-2/ "com.ebay.mobile" # Ebay app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ebay.mobile) "com.ebay.carrier" # Kind of weird ebay apps preinstalled by carriers. "com.ehernandez.radiolainolvidable" # Radio La Inolvidable Peru (no longer exist) # Spanish Radio app. "com.emoji.keyboard.touchpal" # TouchPal Emoji Keyboard by Cootek a chinese company # Adware (lots lots of ads) # Worth reading : https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/google-banned-cootek-adware "com.eterno" # Daily hunts News. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eterno&hl=en) "com.evernote" # Evernote app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote) "com.generalmobi.go2pay" # Go2Pay (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.generalmobi.go2pay) # Payment app that offers mobile pre-paid recharges and post-paid bill payment, data card recharges and bill payment, # DTH recharges through cashless transactions. # DTH = Direct To Home Television "com.gotv.nflgamecenter.us.lite" # Football NFL (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gotv.nflgamecenter.us.lite) "com.groupon" # Groupon (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.groupon) # Online shopping deals and coupons. # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupon#Reception "com.hancom.office.editor.hidden" # Legacy Hancom Office Editor (Korean alternative to Microsoft Office). Featured in Samsung and LG phones "com.handmark.expressweather" "com.handmark.expressweather.vpl" # 1Weather (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.handmark.expressweather) # Forecasts alerts app (contain ads) "com.hulu.plus" # Hulu (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hulu.plus&hl) # Netflix competitor. # FYI : Hulu is owned by Disney. # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulu # https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/hulu-vs-disney-plus/ "com.ideashower.readitlater.pro" # Pocket (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ideashower.readitlater.pro) # Allows you to save an article or web page to remote servers for later reading # Was purchased by Mozilla in 2017 but is still close source for now. # https://getpocket.com/privacy # Open-source alternative : https://wallabag.org/ "com.imdb.mobile" # IMDb mobile app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imdb.mobile) "com.infraware.polarisoffice5" # Polaris Office from US Infraware Inc company (Microsoft Office like) # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_Office # https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.infraware.office.link "com.ironsource.appcloud.oobe" # AppCloud (discontinued) from ironSource, an advertising company. # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IronSource. "com.king.candycrush4" # Candy Crush Friends Saga (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.king.candycrush4) "com.king.candycrushsodasaga" # Candy Crush Soda Saga (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.king.candycrushsodasaga) "com.king.candycrushsaga" # Candy Crush Saga (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.king.candycrushsaga) # I don't understand why this game is so popular (I guess the fact it is preinstalled in a lot of phone helps) "com.linkedin.android" # Linkedin app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linkedin.android) "com.lookout" # Lookout Security & Antivirus (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout) "com.micredit.in" # Mi Credit. Personal Loan app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.micredit.in.gp) "com.netflix.mediaclient" # Netflix app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient) "com.netflix.partner.activation" # Netflix activation via partner manufacturer ? "com.niksoftware.snapseed" # Snapseed (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.niksoftware.snapseed) "com.nuance.swype.input" # Swype keyboard by Nuance # https://www.nuance.com/mobile/mobile-applications/swype/android.html # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swype "com.opera.branding" # Opera Branding Provider # Don't know what it really does. "com.opera.branding.news" # Opera News Branding Provider # Don't know what it really does. "com.opera.mini.native" # Opera Mini web browser (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.mini.native) "com.opera.preinstall" # It seems to be Opera Max Data saving (discontinued) "com.particlenews.newsbreak" # News Break: Local & Breaking (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.particlenews.newsbreak) # News provided by NewsBreak (https://www.newsbreak.com/) # # FYI : https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.particlenews.newsbreak/latest/ "com.phonepe.app" # PhonePe (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phonepe.app) # PhonePe is a payments app that allows indian users to use BHIM UPI, your credit card and debit card or wallet to recharge your mobile phone, # pay your utility bills and also make instant payments at offline and online stores. # PhonePe is an indian company (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhonePe) # BHIM = Bharat Interface for Money : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BHIM # UPI = Unified Payement Interface : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Payments_Interface "com.pinsight.v1" # App Spotlight # Makes you discover new apps from the Google Play store. The selection criteria are unkown. "com.playphone.gamestore" # Playphone Gamestore (https://www.playphone.com/) # "Helps" you discover the "best" Android games and connects you to a global gaming community. Sounds Amazing ! "com.playphone.gamestore.loot" # Loot # Premium service from playphone ? "com.pure.indosat.care" # myIM3 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pure.indosat.care) # App provided by Indosat Ooredoo, an Internet provider from Indonesia. # Enables Indosat users to manage prepaid and postpaid numbers and check their credit and payments, purchase data packs, calls, SMS... "com.huaqin.FM" # Radio app from huaqin a chinese company # NOTE : Transistor [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.y20k.transistor/] is much better "com.nextradioapp.nextradio" # NextRadio (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextradioapp.nextradio) # 3-party app which lets you experience live and local FM radio on your smartphone. # https://nextradioapp.com/ "com.pinsight.dw" # App Stack # Force-installed app by Sprint. Pinsight is an advertising company (https://pinsightmedia.com/) # Note : Sprint sold Pinsight to InMobi in 2018. # https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/sprint-sells-mobile-ad-biz-pinsight-media-to-inmobi "com.remotefairy4" # AnyMote Universal Remote + Wifi Smart Home Control (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotefairy4) # IR Remote control app # Lots of trackers and permissions : https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.remotefairy4/latest/ "com.republicwireless.tel" # Republic (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.republicwireless.tel&hl) # Lets you manage your Republic wireless account. # Republic Wireless is an american mobile virtual network operator (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Wireless) "com.rhapsody" "com.rhapsody.vpl" # Napster Music (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rhapsody) # Napster streaming app # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napster "com.roaming.android.gsimbase" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] "com.roaming.android.gsimcontentprovider" # GSIM = Generic Statistical Information Model ? I don't think so but I can't find anything. "com.sem.factoryapp" # SEMFactoryApp # Call home (172.217.168.14 --> Google IP). Need NFC permission. # This package is maybe used to test NFC. "com.servicemagic.consumer" # HomeAdvisor: Contractors for Home Improvement (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.servicemagic.consumer) # Help you find local contractors from the service Home Advisor network # HomeAdvisor collects users data when a request is made and then sells that data to local contractors in exchange for money. # Worth Reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeAdvisor#Critism "com.sharecare.askmd" # AskMD (discontinued) provided by Sharecare # Symptom checker app. Lets you see what might be causing your symptoms and helps you find a nearby physician # Worth Reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharecare#Criticisms "com.slacker.radio" # LiveXLive - Streaming Music and Live Events (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.slacker.radio) "com.shopee.id" # Shopee 2.2 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shopee.id) # official app from Shopee, an e-commerce online shopping platform in Southeast Asian. "com.smithmicro.netwise.director.comcast.oem" # XFINITY Wifi settings (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smithmicro.netwise.director.comcast.oem) # Auto-connects you to XFINITY WiFi hotspot. # XFINITY is a subsidiary of the Comcast Corporation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xfinity) "com.spotify.music" # Spotify app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spotify.music) "com.swiftkey.swiftkeyconfigurator" # SwiftKey factory settings # Used by commercial swiftkey partners to configure the SwiftKey app. # Swiftkey is a keyboard developed by TouchType, a Microsoft subsidiary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SwiftKey) "com.synchronoss.dcs.att.r2g" # AT&T Ready2Go (discontinued) # Its purpose was to help you migrating your data to your new Android device. "com.s.antivirus" # AVG Antivirus (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.s.antivirus) for Sony Xperia. "com.telenav.app.android.cingular" # AT&T Navigator (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.telenav.app.android.cingular) # Crappy GPS app provided by Telenav and rebranded by AT&T. # Worth reading : https://www.telenav.com/legal/policies-privacy-policy "com.telenav.app.android.scout_us" # Scout GPS Navigation & Meet Up (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.telenav.app.android.scout_us) # Bad GPS with bad chat features on top of that. # https://www.scoutgps.com/ "com.til.timesnews" # India News (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.til.timesnews) "com.touchtype.swiftkey" # Swiftkey Keyboard (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey) # Keyboard app developed by TouchType, a Microsoft subsidiary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SwiftKey) # Sends "anonymous" to Microsoft. # 4 Trackers + 11 Permissions : https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.touchtype.swiftkey/latest/ "com.touchtype.swiftkey.res.overlay" # Overlay for Swiftkey keyboard. # REMINDER : A screen overlay in Android, also referred to as “Draw On Top”, allows an app to display content over another app "com.tracker.t" # WTF is this ?? Given its name I think you can take the risk to delete it. "com.turner.cnvideoapp" # Cartoon network App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.turner.cnvideoapp) "com.tripadvisor.tripadvisor" # Trip advisor (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tripadvisor.tripadvisor) # You should never trust and use trip advisor # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TripAdvisor (see 'Controversy and fraudulent reviews' section) # https://nypost.com/2016/03/01/why-you-should-never-ever-trust-tripadvisor/ "com.trustonic.tuiservice" # The tuiService (Trusted User Interface) is a new security layer implemented by Trustonic. # Allows a Trusted Application to interact directly with the user via a common display and touch screen, completely isolated from the main device OS. # Seems like a good idea but it's closed source and "normal" devs can't use it for their apps. # https://stackoverflow.com/questions/16909576/how-to-make-use-of-arm-trust-zone-in-android-application # It is basically only used by manufacter sapps like Samsung Pay and for DRM stuff. # Google implemented their own TUI in Android Pie : https://android-developers.googleblog.com/search/label/Trusted%20User%20Interface # # https://www.trustonic.com/news/blog/benefits-trusted-user-interface/ # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_execution_environment # # If you're wondering, deleting this package will not cause security issues and will not break ARM TrustZone. It will break Trustonic TEE for sure # but if you don't use Trusted Apps. You won't need this ! # Deleting this **may** reduce attack surface because yeah, Trustonic TEE isn't foolproof (as it was claimed) # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARM_architecture#Security_extensions # https://googleprojectzero.blogspot.com/2017/07/trust-issues-exploiting-trustzone-tees.html # https://www.synacktiv.com/posts/exploit/kinibi-tee-trusted-application-exploitation.html # https://blog.quarkslab.com/introduction-to-trusted-execution-environment-arms-trustzone.html # # Good ressources : # https://medium.com/@nimronagy/arm-trustzone-on-android-975bfe7497d2 # https://www.gsd.inesc-id.pt/~nsantos/papers/pinto_acsur19.pdf # https://blog.quarkslab.com/introduction-to-trusted-execution-environment-arms-trustzone.html # https://medium.com/taszksec/unbox-your-phone-part-i-331bbf44c30c # # NOTE : Trustonic TEE (called Kinibi) is used in Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, Meizu and LG devices. "com.ubercab" "com.ubercab.driver" "com.ubercab.eats" # Uber (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab) # Uber Driver (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab.driver) # Uber Eats (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab.eats) # Uber does not protect personal user data and has a questionable ethic. # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber#Criticism "com.UCMobile.intl" # UC Browser by Alibaba (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.UCMobile.intl) # !! Unsecure chinese web browser !! # https://www.quora.com/Whats-wrong-with-UC-Browser # https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2019/05/url-spoofing-uc-browser-android.html "com.ume.browser.northamerica" # UME Web Browser (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ume.browser.northamerica) # Trackers and a LOT of permissions (https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/com.ume.browser.cust/latest/) "com.vlingo.midas" # Speech recognition app forthe personal assistant by Vlingo # Vlingo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlingo # FYI : In January 2012 AndroidPit discovered that Vlingo sended packets of information containing the users GPS co-ordinates, # IMEI (unique device identifier), contact list and the title of every song stored on the device back to Nuance without. # Source : https://www.androidpit.com/Vlingo-Privacy-Breach "com.yahoo.mobile.client.android.liveweather" # Yahoo Weather (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yahoo.mobile.client.android.weather) # Please boycott Yahoo ! (all of their services are crappy so it's not so difficult) # If you're not aware : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Yahoo! "com.yellowpages.android.ypmobile" # Yellow Pages (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yellowpages.android.ypmobile) "com.yelp.android" # Yelp (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yelp.android) # Yelp lets users post reviews and rate businesses. # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yelp#Controversy_and_litigation "com.zhiliaoapp.musically" # TikTok App # Worth reading : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TikTok#Privacy,_cyberbullying_and_addiction_concerns "de.axelspringer.yana.zeropage" # Upday news for Samsung (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.axelspringer.yana) "flipboard.app" # Flipboard News App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=flipboard.app) "flipboard.boxer.app" # Briefing app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=flipboard.boxer.app) "id.co.babe" # BaBe (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=id.co.babe) # Indonesian news app. "in.mohalla.sharechat" # ShareChat (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.mohalla.sharechat) "in.playsimple.wordtrip" # World Trip (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.playsimple.wordtrip) # Word Count & word streak puzzle game # 19 trackers + 11 permissions (https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/in.playsimple.wordtrip/latest/) "jp.co.omronsoft.openwnn" # Japanese keyboard/IME (Don't know why it's preinstalled on US/european devices) # Note : IME = input method editor "jp.gocro.smartnews.android" # SmartNews: Local Breaking News (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.gocro.smartnews.android) # Delivers the top trending news stories from others publishers (NBC News, The Verges etc...) # 7 Trackers + 10 permissions (https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/jp.gocro.smartnews.android/latest/) "msgplus.jibe.sca.vpl" # Messaging Plus. Messings using the RCS protocol (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Communication_Services) # Related to Google Jibe (https://jibe.google.com/) "net.sharewire.parkmobilev2" # ParkMobile - Find Parking (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sharewire.parkmobilev2) "org.codeaurora.gps.gpslogsave" # CodeAurora Forum is a Linux Foundation Collaborative Project (https://www.codeaurora.org/). All their code is open-source. # According to its name, it only saves GPS logs. "org.codeaurora.ims" # CodeAurora Forum is a Linux Foundation Collaborative Project (https://www.codeaurora.org/). All their code is open-source. # IMS is an open industry standard for voice and multimedia communications over packet-based IP networks (Volte/VoIP/Wifi calling) # There is high chances this package is needed for Volte/VoIP/Wifi calling. "tv.fubo.mobile.vpl" # fuboTV (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.fubo.mobile) # Lets you Watch live Sports, TV Shows, Movies & News "tv.peel.app" # Peel Universal Smart TV Remote Control (discontinued) # Lets you remotely control devices like your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player. "zpub.res" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # 3-party app preinstalled in ZTE phone. #### QUALCOMM #### # QTI = Qualcomm Technologies Inc # Qualcomm is an American multinational semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company # that designs and markets wireless telecommunications products and services. # Qualcomm tracking : https://forum.fairphone.com/t/telemetry-spyware-list-of-privacy-threats-on-fp3-android-9/55179/20 "com.qti.qualcomm.datastatusnotification" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Maybe it displays data status notification (network data usage) # Asks for sending SMS permission. "com.qti.service.colorservice" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Don't know why but it uses mobile data. # It most likely does something to colors on your display. Can someone see the difference ? Is it accessbility feature ? # Needed for Blue screen feature ? "com.qti.snapdragon.qdcm_ff" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Qualcomm Display Color Management tool # Works in background and "enhance" the display’s appearance through an intelligent color adjustment and gamut-mapping system # "to make colors look vibrant and true to life". # Not really convinced. Can someone see the difference ? # https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2016/05/02/qualcomm-trupalette-brings-your-phones-display-life # # ff = FinFet ? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FinFET) "com.qualcomm.atfwd" # Qualcomm's WiFi display. It allows you to mirror your devices display on a TV # Seems to be used by Mircast. Need to be confirmed tho. "com.qualcomm.embms" # Run in background. # I guess it add support to LTE Broadcast or eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) # Enables carriers to sends stuff using multicast (same content to be delivered to a large number of users at the same time) instead of LTE. # It is a more efficient use of network resources when compared to each user receiving the same content individually. # Personally I don't want my carrier to send me stuff. # # FYI : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia_Broadcast_Multicast_Service # https://www.one2many.eu/en/lte-broadcast/what-is-embms #"com.qualcomm.fastdormancy" # Provide Fast Dormancy feature/setting in the dialer (reduce battery consumption and network utilization during periods of data inactivity) # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Dormancy "com.qualcomm.location" # May enable your device to determine its location more quickly and accurately, even when your device is unable to get a strong GPS signal. # **May** also help your device conserve battery power when you use applications or services requiring location data # It will eriodically downloads data to your device regarding the locations of nearby cellular towers and WiFi access points # # Qualcomm Location periodically sends a unique software ID, the location of your device (longitude, latitude and altitude, and its uncertainty) # and nearby cellular towers and Wi-Fi hotspots, signal strength, and time (collectively, “Location Data”) to Qualcomm servers. # As with any Internet communication, they also receive the IP address your device uses. # https://www.qualcomm.com/site/privacy/services #"com.qualcomm.qcrilmsgtunnel" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Tunnel between modem and android framework. Related to SMS ? # FYI : ril = Radio Interface layer. It's the bridge between Android phone framework services and the hardware. # There is no noticeable immediate consequences after disabling it but it'd better to know more about. "com.qualcomm.uimremoteclient" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # UIM Remote client # When you see "remote" in a package name you can try to delete it. # See "com.qualcomm.qti.uim" for more information. "com.qualcomm.qti.auth.fidocryptoservice" # Qualcomm FIDO implementation. # FIDO : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIDO_Alliance # Fido is a set of open technical specifications for mechanisms of authenticating users to online services that do not depend on passwords. # https://fidoalliance.org/specs/u2f-specs-1.0-bt-nfc-id-amendment/fido-glossary.html # https://fidoalliance.org/specs/fido-v2.0-rd-20170927/fido-overview-v2.0-rd-20170927.html "com.qualcomm.qti.perfdump" # Performance dump (logging) # Enable a more accurate overview of the running services (and maybe how much power/RAM they take?) #"com.qualcomm.qti.qms.service.connectionsecurity" # ????? # Background-Connection to tls.telemetry.swe.quicinc.com (Host/Domain belongs to Qualcomm) # CURRENTLY IN TEST / MAY NOT BE SAFE "com.qualcomm.qti.qms.service.telemetry" # Telemetry service. # Yeah obviously it phones to Qualcomm. "com.qualcomm.qti.rcsbootstraputil" "com.qualcomm.qti.rcsimsbootstraputil" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # RCS Service # RCS = Rich Communication Services. # RCS is a communication protocol between mobile telephone carriers and between phone and carrier, aiming at replacing SMS. # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Communication_Services # Note that it uses IP protocol so you need to connect to Wifi/3G/4G... to take advantage of it. # # It's a hot mess right now. It aims at being universal but you still need to have a Samsung Messages # or Google Message. 3-party apps can't support it because google hasn't released a public API yet. # # In a lot of country messages go through Google's Jibe servers. # https://jibe.google.com/policies/terms/ # # https://pocketnow.com/why-you-should-probably-avoid-googles-rcs-text-messaging-chat-feature # # Does this packages is really needed for VolTE/VoWifi? #"com.qualcomm.qti.services.secureui" # Qualcomm Secure UI Service. # Uncertain role... # CURRENTLY IN TEST / MAY NOT BE SAFE "com.qualcomm.qti.uceshimservice" # UCE shim service # UCE = Unified Communications for Enterprise ? (not sure) #"com.qualcomm.timeservice" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Qualcomm Time Service # It maybe keeps the real time clock in the Qualcomm processor synchronised with Android time. # Seems not safe to remove. "com.quicinc.cne.CNEService" # Qualcomm service # Automatically switchs between Wifi/3G/4G depending on network performances. # https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2013/07/02/qualcomms-cne-bringing-smarts-3g4g-wi-fi-seamless-interworking "com.qti.qualcomm.datastatusnotification" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Can read/send SMS # Allows to cap data when you've reached the limit of your plan (not 100% sure) "com.qualcomm.qti.dynamicddsservice" # Dynamic DDS Service # DDS = Direct Digital Synthesizer # To make this very simple, it enables frequencies to be changed quickly without settling time. # It is very useful for testing, communications and frequency sweep applications. Not sure you need this in your phone. # https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/1996/05/07/qualcomm-introduces-new-high-speed-dual-direct-digital-synthesizer # If you want to know more about the use of a DDS : https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/direct-digital-synthesis/ "com.qualcomm.qti.lpa" # Only useful if you use an esim (virtual sim) # lpa = Local Profile Assistants. It is a software that allows consumers to choose and change their subscription data when switching between # network operators/carriers. # https://developer.qualcomm.com/blog/rise-esims-and-isims-and-their-impact-iot # https://source.android.com/devices/tech/connect/esim-overview "com.qualcomm.qti.remoteSimlockAuth" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Enable you to lock/unlock your eSIM remotely. # Seems more of a security risk to me than anything else. # Is it related to Safeswitch ? https://www.qualcomm.com/products/features/security/safeswitch #"com.qualcomm.qti.simsettings" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Obviously related to SIM settings "com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Sincerely I don't know what it is. # It runs in background. # It seems there is no issue with telephony if removed. I need to keep an eye on this. #"com.qualcomm.qti.telephony.vodafonepack" # [MORE INFO NEEDED] # Related to Vodafone Prepaid Recharge Plan # If you're not a Vodafone client but still has this package on your phone you can delete it. # For Vodafon client, I don't know what this package does. # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodafone "com.qualcomm.qti.uim" # Related to RUIM I guess. It is a kind of SIM card # https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Removable_User_Identity_Module # Still used in China it seems. "com.quicinc.fmradio" # FM Radio app by Qualcomm #### FONTS #### "com.monotype.android.font.chococooky" "com.monotype.android.font.cooljazz" "com.monotype.android.font.foundation" "com.monotype.android.font.rosemary" #### ANT(+) #### # ANT+ (Adaptive Network Topology) is a proprietary multicast wireless sensor network technology. # It's like Bluetooth low energy, but oriented towards usage with sensors. ANT+ is mostly used for sport tracking devices # https://www.thisisant.com/directory # Somes stuff are open-source : https://github.com/ant-wireless "com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus" # ANT+ plugin service (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus) "com.dsi.ant.sample.acquirechannels" # I don't know why there is "sample" in the name. Is this package really useful to find ANT channels ? "com.dsi.ant.server" # ANT HAL(Hardware Abstraction Layer) Server "com.dsi.ant.service.socket" # ANT Radio Service (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dsi.ant.service.socket) # it is NOT related to Radio FM ! )