“Utter BS,” users say after learning T-Mobile app is tracking them by default
Hidden screen recording settings have started a debate among T-Mobile users, with many seeing them as an invasion of privacy.
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Hidden screen recording settings have started a debate among T-Mobile users, with many seeing them as an invasion of privacy.
T-Mobile, one of the most popular wireless network operators in the US, has recently come under scrutiny regarding its app, T-Life. Customers use T-Life to manage their accounts, shop, receive the latest information and perks, and more.
However, T-Life users have already been complaining about the app, saying that it has become necessary even when they’re buying something in physical stores.
Despite the company's efforts to encourage more customers to use the app, Phone Arena reports that customers often find T-Life to be buggy, difficult to use, and full of ads.
And it gets worse. Apparently, the T-Life app includes a screen recording tool that is set on by default.
The feature is used to screen-record any user activity while they’re on the app. In the settings, it’s been written that this tool is used “to record how customers use the app to analyze and improve [their] experience.”
It’s also been shared that only T-Mobile can review and analyze the recorded information, to help customers faster when they’re facing a problem.
The message also states that users can disable the function. However, once users found out about it, it provoked a backlash.
T-Mobile had 99 million postpaid customers in the United States last year, making it one of the most popular mobile carriers, along with Verizon and AT&T.
The situation with T-Life has also started a discussion online, with users being divided on the matter.
“[...] I personally don’t want all my personal data being screen recorded without asking me permission first, and I’m rather worried they did it in the first place,” wrote the original poster, also sharing their concern about the risks of their data being hacked.
Some customers were more understanding, stating: “This is so customer service can assist you over the phone, they'll be able to connect directly to the app to see and guide you along when you can't read it on your own.”
Nevertheless, many users were still skeptical about the feature and the fact that the company didn’t ask for their permission.
“As soon as I saw that, I turned it off. It’s utter bullshit that something like that is hidden in the settings, especially without a prompt asking if you want it on or off, wrote one Redditor.