Samsung has come under scrutiny for its policy requiring independent repair shops to share customer data with the company. A leaked contract obtained by 404Media reveals that Samsung mandates repair shops to provide names, contact information, phone identifiers, and customer complaint details for individuals who seek handset repairs at these establishments.
Additionally, Samsung instructs repair shops to immediately disassemble phones that have been repaired with third-party parts and report this information promptly. The contract also stipulates that repair shops must upload all repair information, including customer details and smartphone IMEI numbers, to a Samsung database called G-SPN on a daily basis.
This controversial requirement raises privacy concerns as it involves the sharing of personal information without the explicit consent of customers. The use of aftermarket parts for repairs, which is common practice in the repair industry, is also frowned upon by Samsung according to the leaked contract.
This revelation sheds light on Samsung's strict control over the repair process and its surveillance of independent repair shops. The company's insistence on monitoring and regulating repair activities showcases a lack of trust in third-party repair services and a desire to maintain a grip on customer data.
As consumers become more conscious of data privacy and security issues, Samsung's policy may face backlash from those who value their personal information and resist intrusive data collection practices. The leaked contract serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the rights of individuals to control their data and the responsibilities of companies to handle customer information ethically.
