Have you ever tripped on a mysterious application in your Android system settings called “Safetycore”? If so, you are not alone. Introduced at the end of 2024, this system service aims to improve confidentiality on devices by detecting sensitive content such as nudity and activating features such as sensitive content warnings in Google messages.
Although Google provides users that SAFETYCORE works locally without sharing data outside, it has always aroused confusion on automatic updates. Let’s dive into what SafetyCore does, how it works and the steps you can take to deactivate it if you choose to do it.
A man scroll through his Android phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
What you need to know
By definition, Sacetycore is a system service that provides an automatic learning infrastructure on devices to help detect sensitive content. It was introduced as part of Google November 7, 2024, update of the system for Android 9 and later.
Google initially described SafetyCore as a tool that supports user protections preserving confidentiality for applications. One of its first visible uses was in Google Messages, where it allows sensitive content warnings, a functionality that blurs the images potentially containing nudity and invites users with additional options before you can display or send them.
By default, Google System Services updates your device with safety, bug corrections and new features. Certain updates are provided via system services in separate Android packages. This maintains confidentiality, security and isolation of data according to the principle of the least privilege because authorizations are not shared with other features.
SAFETYCORE does more than detect naked images. Its integrated automatic learning features may also target, detect and filter images for sensitive content. There is no application icon, and it does not appear in the usual list of applications being executed. Users must navigate in Parameters > Applications > View system processes To find it.
A woman holding an Android phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
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What does Google say?
Google maintains that SafetyCore is purely a classification service on devices and does not report or share the scanned content with Google or other entities. The company argues that the service improves security without compromising confidentiality, allowing applications to detect and filter unwanted content locally.
We contacted Google, and a spokesperson told Cyberguy: “Android provides many protections on devices that protect users from threats such as malware, spam messaging and abuse protections, and telephone protections, while preserving user confidentiality and keeping users under control of their data.
“SAFETYCORE is a new Google System service for Android 9+ devices which provides disk infrastructure for safe and private classification to help users detect unwanted content. Users are in control over SAFETYCORE, and SAFETYCORE only classifies specific content when an application demand via an optional compatible functionality.”
Google also says that as part of its continuous investment in the transparency of its products, the company goes beyond, adding binary transparency in SafetyCore. This allows users and developers to verify that SAFETYCORE is really preserving privacy, just as Google says.
A Samsung phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
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How to delete Android SafetyCore
The settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone. (Note: we tested these steps on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.)
If you want to uninstall or deactivate your safety on your Samsung galaxy, follow the steps below:
(Note: If you decide to deactivate or get rid of System Safetycore, you may not be able to benefit from the new features or improvements of security and confidentiality that Google now offers or in the future.)
- Open it Settings application on your device
- Faucet Applications
- Scroll or use the search bar to find Android system SAFETYCORE
- Press Android system SAFETYCORE And check if the uninstall option is available. If Uninstall is available, press it to delete the service. If the uninstall is grayed, you may not be able to deactivate it
Uninstall or deactivate its safety on Samsung Galaxy (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
If you want to uninstall or deactivate SAFETYCORE on your pixel device, follow the steps below:
The settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone. (Note: We tested these steps on a Pixel 9 Pro.)
- Open it Settings application on your device
- Faucet Applications
- Select See all applications
- Scroll or use the search bar to find Android SafetyCore system. Press Android system SAFETYCORE
- Check if the Uninstall The option is available. If uninstall is available, press to delete the service. If the uninstall is grayed, you may not be able to deactivate it
Uninstall or deactivate your safety on Pixel (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)
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4 ways to protect your personal information
If you are concerned with Google data collection and want to ensure the safety of your personal information, here are four steps you can take.
1) Limit application authorizations: Regularly Examine and restrict application authorizationsEspecially for access to your camera, microphone, storage or location. If an application does not need access, revoke it in the settings of your device.
2) Disable background data and follow-up: Prevent unnecessary follow-up by turning off the background data for applications that do not require constant internet access. You can also Disable location tracking And remove the personalized Google ads in your account settings.
3) Use a VPN for secure navigation: A VPN (virtual private network) crypt your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, Google or other entities from following your activity online. VPN confidentiality are excellent options that do not marry user data. For the best VPN software, consult my review experts from the best VPNs to browse the web in private on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
4) Personal data regularly deleted: Delete unnecessary stored data such as research history, location history and cache files. You can do this in the settings of your Google account and in individual applications to minimize your digital footprint.
Kurt de Kurt to remember
SAFETYCORE is an interesting addition to Android, offering content filtering on devices with automatic learning. Although it aims to improve confidentiality and security, some users may have questions about its presence and functionality. Whether you decide to keep it or explore it to deactivate it, staying informed of your device’s features is always a good idea. In this way, you can make choices that best match your needs and preferences to manage your Android device.
Do you trust Google’s assertion that SAFETYCORE works entirely on devices and do not share your data? Let us know by writing to Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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