Ever since Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the National Security Agency, suddenly security is a big deal. It has always been a concern but never have people been this involved in how their information is used. And the newest target of scrutiny? Xiaomi.
Xiaomi may be basking in the company's massive success in major markets but it's not enjoying a blemish-free streak. It is now coming under fire for security concerns arising from its MIUI Cloud Messaging, a free messaging service that allows Xiaomi users to send and receive text messages without using their carrier's network. However, rumors are saying that the company is collecting and storing personal data without the permission of its customers, particularly through the Redmi 1S.
Hugo Barra, Xiaomi's Global Vice President, took to Google+ to explain what's happening. Answering security concerns by detailing how the MIUI Cloud Messaging service works in a post. According to him, the Cloud Messaging service automatically activates when a Mi phone has been turned on. This is only to establish a connection between the user and Xiaomi servers so the messaging service can be used.
How the service works is also similar to how other messaging services function and contact information (the user's and their contacts) are stored in the servers. Messages may be kept but no longer than it is necessary because the goal is to have texts sent immediately.
Barra also made an announcement to allay security fears. "As we believe it is our top priority to protect user data and privacy, we have decided to make MIUI Cloud Messaging an opt-in service and no longer automatically activate users. We have scheduled an OTA system update for today (Aug 10th) to implement this change," he said in the post.
Once the upgrade is in place, the messaging service can be enabled by new users or those who have opted to factory reset their devices to restore defaults.
Barra also apologized to all users for the security concerns and thank the media and Xiaomi users alike for providing the company with suggestions and feedback to let it provide better services through improvements.
To enable or disable the MIUI Cloud Messaging through the home screen, Xiaomi users should go to "Settings > Mi Cloud > Cloud Messaging." To do the same from within the app, go to "Settings > Cloud Messaging."
