New Delhi: A recent incident has raised concerns over customer privacy at smartphone service centers. A Samsung user in India claims that while his phone was being repaired, technicians accessed his personal apps, including WhatsApp, and viewed his photos. The breach was discovered when the user checked his phone’s Screen Time after the repair.
Screen Time Reveals Unauthorized Usage
Most smartphone users rely on official service centers for repairs, trusting that their data remains safe. However, a video shared on social media shows a technician at a Samsung service center using a customer’s phone without permission. According to the user, the gallery app was accessed for approximately 10 minutes, and WhatsApp was used for about 2 minutes. The user reported confronting the staff, after which the service center manager listened but the owner allegedly threatened him.
CCTV Footage Confirms Activity
Samsung had initially promised to provide the full CCTV footage from the repair session. Instead, only a brief 2-minute clip was shared, which showed the technician opening WhatsApp, scrolling, and typing on the phone. The user has described this as a serious violation of his privacy.
Complaint Filed with Authorities
Following the incident, the user lodged complaints with the consumer helpline and local police. The case highlights growing concerns about data security when handing over smartphones for repair, prompting users to be cautious.
How to Check Screen Time
Users can monitor how their apps are being used by checking Screen Time on their phones. On an iPhone, go to Settings → Screen Time → See All App and Website Activity. This displays all apps accessed and the duration of usage. The steps may vary slightly for different phone models.
Precautionary Measures Before Service
Experts advise users to back up all data before submitting their phones for repair. Log out of personal apps such as WhatsApp, banking apps, and UPI apps, and remove SIM and memory cards. These steps help protect personal information during servicing.
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