Some Android phones have been found to carry data collection software that sends all the text messages on the phone to China every 72 hours. The New York Times investigated reports security contractors had discovered preinstalled software in Android phones that monitors where users go, who they talk to and what they write in text messages. The scope of how many Android phones were affected by the software was unclear, the Times reported. A Google official told the Times the company had told Adups to remove the surveillance ability from phones that run services like the Google Play store. While setting up the phone, he noticed unusual network activity and analysts noticed that the phone was transmitting text messages to a server in Shanghai and was registered to Adups.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 16, 2016 21:25 UTC