Samsung is facing renewed scrutiny after claims resurfaced that AppCloud, a pre-installed app on its Galaxy A, M, and F series phones, functions as "unremovable Israeli spyware." This controversy, which has been simmering for over 2 years, intensified after a viral X post alleged the app can silently install unwanted apps and harvest user data.

• The app, developed by ironSource (an Israeli-founded company now owned by Unity), is preloaded on Samsung's mid-tier phones, particularly dominant in emerging markets like Kenya.
• AppCloud is described as a recommendation engine that can re-enable itself after updates and install apps without explicit consent, raising concerns due to its deep system privileges and ironSource's controversial past with installCore.
• While there is no confirmed evidence of spying, the app’s persistence and origins have fueled distrust, especially given recent reports of spyware use in Kenya, prompting calls for Samsung to provide a permanent uninstall option.