Orange have stolen my data!

thescouselander

I'm sure a few people will already be aware of this but Orange install software on their Android handsets which automatically backs up data from your phone book.

It is not possible to remove this software so I set the update interval to "manual" in order to prevent my confidential data being copied to Orange's servers.

The problem is, after an automatic update of their software, it seems the application has changed the settings back to automitic and then attempted to [STRIKE]back up[/STRIKE] steal my phone book information.

I'm fairly annoyed at this as I do not want Orange to keep the information I have put into my phone. Surely this is against my rights under the data protection act?

I'm going to put my complaint in writing but I'd just like to know what the legal position is - what are my rights legally?

Kingsd316

what phone are you using?

nomoneytoday

Is it just being backed up to Google or Orange?
I assume you're aware that you can change the software on the handset?

Also, why is your phonebook a big issue - the Telco can see who you call anyway

thescouselander

nomoneytoday wrote: »

Is it just being backed up to Google or Orange?
I assume you're aware that you can change the software on the handset?

Also, why is your phonebook a big issue - the Telco can see who you call anyway

I'm talking specifically about the Orange Contacts Backup software (not google). You cant change this software Orange have ensured you cant delete it from the phone. It's not so much the phone numbers that are the problem but the other notes in my phone book which I would like to protect as best as possible.

Regardless of my reasons, surely I have the right to prevent my personal data being copied against my wishes.


I'm using a Desire HD

Kingsd316

thescouselander wrote: »

I'm using a Desire HD

Unfortunately you would need to flash a custom rom to remove them on this phone, which can be a long process.

I thought you might be using a phone that was easier to debrand

tsunami70

The problem is that their software is installed and you can't remove it without voiding warranties (custom roms etc). Many phones come with this "shovelware" now and there's not a whole lot you can do to get rid of it.
Regarding your complaint in writing, Orange won't be able to remove the software - even if it wanted to - because it will be a standard package bundled on that phone - so they may at best offer you a refund/new phone.

I must say though that given your reaction to this issue it is unlikely that a smartphone is for you. google will show you that every smartphone operating system has massive security holes, especially those allowing you to download and install apps. I have an android phone and it is a constant battle between the shovelware and my own downloaded apps to get access to the web and report home about my activities.

It's quite scary really!

thescouselander

I'm well aware android has plenty of holes but it is the way Orange has gone about forcing me to hand over my information. If you think about it they will already have plenty of other information on me including address, bank details, dob etc etc. When you start to aggregate that will the other information they have stolen then the risks start to add up.

To be honest its more of a principle thing. I don't want them to copy my data so they shouldn't be installing these sorts of apps that the user can't control properly.

fluffnutter

I'm not particularly paranoid but, even so, this is one of the reasons why I don't have a smart phone. Plus the security's shit.

tsunami70

thescouselander wrote: »

I'm well aware android has plenty of holes but it is the way Orange has gone about forcing me to hand over my information. If you think about it they will already have plenty of other information on me including address, bank details, dob etc etc. When you start to aggregate that will the other information they have stolen then the risks start to add up.

To be honest its more of a principle thing. I don't want them to copy my data so they shouldn't be installing these sorts of apps that the user can't control properly.

I agree they shouldn't be installing these apps but I suspect it's because they know you wouldn't install them by choice, and just because they can.

Your phone isn't a secure place to keep information so while waiting for an official response from Orange, it might be a good idea to copy or delete anything you feel is personal - at the end of the day you could lose the phone and someone in the street could have access to the same info (and more)

eilidh_s

I have it on my phone and it has never worked. Every time it tries to backup I get a message saying it's failed. I only connect to mobile data when I want to which prevents all these apps stealing my data, well it does most of the time anyway! And it also saves my battery.

eranou

what about doing

Settings> Accounts & Sync

it might give you the option to disable automatic sync for that particular programme.