Skip to main content

OnePlus announces it will allow users to opt out of data-collection program

OnePlus 5 soft gold
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
OnePlus recently found itself embroiled in a bit of controversy when the extent of its data-collection efforts was revealed. In short, it was discovered that Oxygen OS, the Android-based OS that powers OnePlus phones such as the OnePlus 5, has a built-in data collection service that users are automatically enrolled in. The goal of the program was similar to others of its type, which was to allow OnePlus to collect data from a large number of users in order to address issues with the phones. However, it was also reported that the company was collecting personal information such as telephone numbers, Wi-Fi information, and other sensitive data.

OnePlus responded to these reports by ensuring users that the data was kept secure and private and insisted that it was only collected in order to aid in customer service. On Friday, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei took to the company’s official forums in order to reassure the company’s userbase that their privacy was valued and their personal data was not being shared with any third parties.

The post also added that the company would take steps to ensure that users would be made aware of the data-collection program and would be prompted to opt out during setup. The option is already available on the Oxygen OS, but it is buried in the settings menu, so users may not be aware of it. However, that will change later this month. Pei said that by the end of October, an update would be rolled out which would ask users, during set-up, if they would like to opt into the user experience data collection program or not.

Pei’s post only seems to address the collection of analytical. Obviously, this is important, but some users questioned why OnePlus needed Wi-Fi information or phone numbers in order to help with customer service. Obviously, concerns that data such as phone numbers might be sold to third parties such as telemarketers was a prime concern for some users, and its one that OnePlus hasn’t directly addressed. It is unclear whether or not opting out of the user experience program will also prevent OnePlus from collecting personal data such as telephone numbers.

Editors' Recommendations

Eric Brackett
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Is the OnePlus Watch 2 waterproof?
The OnePlus Watch 2 on someone's wrist, showing the weather app.

Are you interested in purchasing a Wear OS smartwatch and wondering if the OnePlus Watch 2 is worth your consideration? The watch was launched alongside the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R smartphones and has received better reviews than its predecessor, the original OnePlus Watch.

The Watch 2 has been praised for its sleek design and long battery life, making it a top contender in the smartwatch market in 2024. But there are some important questions you should ask before you buy it. Is the OnePlus Watch 2 waterproof? Can you use the watch when swimming? Is it okay to use it when water skiing? Let's take a look.
Is the OnePlus Watch 2 waterproof?

Read more
OnePlus told us the secrets behind its one-of-a-kind smartwatch
Someone wearing the OnePlus Watch 2.

How do you stand out in the smartwatch world? How do you attempt to do something new and unique with wearables in 2024 when so many companies seem to be coasting by?

That's what OnePlus is trying to figure out with the OnePlus Watch 2, and in many ways, it has succeeded. The OnePlus Watch 2, while not perfect, is one of the more interesting Wear OS watches we've seen in a while — and that's largely due to a hybrid design unlike any we've seen before.

Read more
I performed an intense gaming test with the OnePlus 12. Here’s what happened
Person holding green OnePlus 12 phone in hands while playing games.

OnePlus has traditionally appealed to a very demanding set of users. Its "Never Settle" ethos appealed to early adopters of OnePlus phones looking to accomplish more than they can on traditional flagship phones at a much lower price. After a few years off track, OnePlus' latest flagship phone -- the OnePlus 12 -- feels like an ideal representation of its founding principles.

From a radiant display to superfast wired and wireless charging, the OnePlus 12 has many compelling features. Areas that I feel deserves the most attention are its gaming performance and brilliant value, even compared to other $800 phones.

Read more