Google blocks this Xiaomi app for potentially collecting user data; do you have it?

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users have always been complaining about the company sending them too many advertisements through the pre-installed apps on devices. While most smartphones come with pre-installed apps, unwanted advertisements become a major issue with Xiaomi smartphones. One such app - Quick Apps - has now been identified by Google Play Protect which says that the app can potentially collect data and use it to track you. Google has blocked an app update of Quick Apps on many Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones including Poco F1.

Google Play Protect was introduced to keep the smartphones secure by scanning all the apps that are installed through Google Play Store or are pre-installed and downloaded via a third-party store. It has decided to block Quick Apps by Xiaomi citing security concerns around user data and privacy. The warning showed by Google Play Protect reads, “This app can collect data that could be used to track you.”

Several users confirmed the update on social media platforms like Twitter by saying that a Quick Apps update has been blocked by Google Play Protect. Notably, Xiaomi also prevents users from uninstalling pre-loaded apps, including Quick Apps on many of its phones.

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Earlier this year, a report from PiunikaWeb suggested that Quick Apps has more than 55 system-level permissions, including recording audio and video and even calls. The report claimed that it captures information like the users' SIM numbers, IMEI and IMSI numbers, and can even install apps on your phone without permission.

In a statement, Xiaomi has said that it is in touch with Google regarding this issue. "Some users may get a notification that this app has been blocked by Google Play Protect,” a spokesperson for Xiaomi said while adding, "We are in touch with Google regarding this and it is likely happening due to a revision in Google Play Protect’s algorithm. Rest assured that this system app is absolutely safe."