Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Realme have installed loan apps, including Happiness Loan (สินเชื่อความสุข) and Fineasy, on users' phones without their consent.

An IT expert found that these apps were either pre-installed or added through software updates. The apps were set to access the phone's camera and contact lists without permission, raising concerns about potential misuse, such as call center scams.

Questions have been raised about how these apps were included during updates and whether the brands were aware. Pre-installed apps typically involve payments to the system. While authorities suggest deleting these apps, they cannot be fully removed and reappear after updates.

Oppo apologized for the incident. The company is investigating third-party software linked to loan apps with relevant agencies. Oppo stated that Fineasy has removed all loan-related content, keeping only basic features. It is working on allowing users to uninstall the app, with immediate assistance available at Oppo service centers nationwide. Oppo also confirmed it will stop pre-installing loan apps and promoting them in the APP Market.

Realme also apologized. The company is urgently addressing the issue with third-party loan apps. Fineasy has removed all loan-related features, leaving only basic tools. Realme will soon release an update to delete the app or provide immediate support at its service centers. The company confirmed it will no longer include loan apps on future devices or recommend them in the APP Market.

#Thailand #China #Oppo #Realme #SmartPhones #Phones #แอพพ์เงินกู้ #แอพพ์กู้เงิน