Samsung is addressing both these concerns in two key ways: by designing Galaxy AI experiences with built-in safeguards that protect user data from the ground up, and by applying AI to strengthen mobile security and privacy protections. While both approaches are essential, building AI that handles data responsibly remains the most urgent priority.

Transparency and choice are the principles driving this work. That’s where Galaxy’s intuitive, easy-to-use privacy settings come in, helping you understand what data is used in AI processing, how it’s handled, and how you can control it. These protections empower you to make your own rules for your mobile experience — and to stay safe while you do.

Advanced Settings for Advanced AI

This freedom of choice comes into play for Galaxy AI experiences. With AI increasingly becoming a part of what we do, it’s only natural to want more control over how your personal data is used in relation to it. Enter Galaxy AI privacy safeguards: a set of policies and protections that go above and beyond to make sure you’re informed and protected when leveraging Galaxy AI.

One of the ways we champion user control is through our powerful suite of AI tools that can operate on-device, keeping your data securely in your hands. Whether you’re using communication tools like Live Translate^[1] and Interpreter^[2] to break down language barriers, or editing tools like Audio Eraser^[3] to stretch the limits of creativity, inputs are kept within the confines of your phone. These features offer a safe, responsive mobile experience that runs directly on your device, right at your fingertips — working alongside Galaxy AI’s privacy protections to give you greater visibility and control over your data.

Since launching Galaxy AI, our vision has been driven by a commitment to openness and user choice. That’s why we have chosen a hybrid approach, introducing a powerful combination of on-device and cloud-based AI. This ensures seamless usability and allows users to benefit from the full power of AI for even the most complex tasks. Advanced features such as Generative Edit^[4] offer on-device capabilities and also tap into cloud-based AI as needed for more processing-intensive edits. With Galaxy, all AI experiences are designed with your privacy in mind — even those that utilise remote servers. No matter what feature or what settings you choose, personal data is never stored long-term or used for AI training — whether processed on-device or on the cloud. Plus, with Advanced Intelligence settings^[5], managing your privacy is as simple as tapping a button. You can even choose how your personal information is processed, including the option to disable online processing for AI features.

Privacy is the foundation of Galaxy AI, and thanks to our growing list of on-device AI features alongside powerful settings options, so is user control.

Intuitive Controls for Enhanced Visibility

In addition to AI-powered features, it’s critical that selecting privacy settings be easy and intuitive, no matter which mobile experience you choose. Galaxy’s Security and Privacy dashboard enables ultimate control over your data, including who sees it and how it is used, with a fool-proof interface. You can do it all — from viewing and updating app permissions, controls and data-sharing functions, to identifying which data could be at risk through intuitive safety status icons. With Permission Usage, you can even keep track of which apps may have recently accessed your data. This level of behind-the-curtain visibility across settings is unique to Galaxy, making it easier than ever to see how all Galaxy experiences are secured and built to function according to your preferences.

Another cornerstone of Galaxy privacy settings is Auto Blocker, a key feature that empowers you to secure your mobile devices without sacrificing usability. Auto Blocker protects your device by checking for malware and other security threats, while blocking malicious activity. It prevents unauthorised app installations, blocks commands and updates via USB, and mitigates zero click attacks with Message Guard.

For those looking for an even stronger line of defense against today’s cyber threats, Maximum Restrictions^[6] offers an additional suite of device protections. These added measures offer an extra layer of user control, giving you the choice to block 2G service and prevent data from being intercepted when connected to unsafe networks. Users can run daily app scan with App protection, offering defense against viruses and spyware. Unintended automatic reconnection to certain Wi-Fi networks that may be less secure can also be prevented.

With Samsung Knox protection and privacy settings that are easy to understand, you hold the power to decide how your data is handled — whether shared or kept completely on-device. Looking ahead, Samsung will further advance AI-powered security technologies to make privacy protections smarter, more adaptive, and even more seamless. And as AI continues to evolve, Samsung remains committed to building secure experiences rooted in transparency and choice — now and in the future.

^[1] _{Live Translate feature requires network connection to receive call messages. It can translate without network connection once the call messages are received by the device. Samsung Account login required. Live Translate feature is only available on pre-installed Samsung Phone apps and some third-party apps. Service availability may vary by language or region. Certain languages may require language pack download. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.}

^[2] _{Interpreter feature requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary.}

^[3] _{Results may vary per video depending on sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login is required. Certain types of sound can be detected such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.}

^[4] _{Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image was generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.}

^[5] _{Availability may vary by device model, OS and/or market.}

^[6] _{Maximum Restrictions prevents automatic, unintended reconnection to less secure networks, which may include Open, Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). This protects users from device traffic that may be exposed or intercepted.}

Samsung Electronics today introduced Auto Blocker, a new security tool for Samsung Galaxy users designed to keep their devices protected in the way that best fits their lifestyle.

Recently released on One UI 6 as part of Samsung Galaxy’s expanded arsenal of security and privacy innovations, Auto Blocker is an opt-in package of additional security measures that gives users more choice as they explore the customisations enabled by Samsung Galaxy’s open ecosystem.

Putting the Choice in Users’ Hands

“At Samsung we constantly strive to keep our users safe from security attacks, and with the introduction of Auto Blocker users can continue to enjoy the benefits of our open ecosystem, knowing that their mobile experience is secured,” said Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We always seek to empower our users to choose for themselves what best suits their needs – rather than us deciding on their behalf, and Auto Blocker is no exception to that.”

One of Auto Blocker’s features is the prevention of app installations from unauthorised sources^[1], known as sideloading. There are many benefits to intentional sideloading, such as enhanced customisation and control over a device’s functionality. Those who opt to sideload can select their preferences accordingly and will experience no change if they choose not to switch on Auto Blocker. For those who are not inclined to engage in sideloading or extensive customisation, activating Auto Blocker can provide additional peace of mind by stalling the rise of social engineering attacks like voice phishing, where attackers could talk users into installing malicious software.

Auto Blocker has a range of additional controls, including turning on app security checks^[2] to help detect potential malware and prevent harmful commands and software installations by USB cable. This can help protect users in a situation where someone has physical access to their device, like when charging a phone at an airport.

With this feature also comes an update to Message Guard, which mitigates Zero Click attacks, or direct image messages hiding malicious code. Initially launched for messaging apps from Google and Samsung, it now can help protect users using popular third party apps.^[3] This way, users have greater choice over the apps they can safely use.

Pushing the Industry Forward with New Security Standards

Samsung sets the foundation for a safer, more secure mobile experience for Galaxy users, and Auto Blocker takes this one step further by combining industry-leading security standards with user choice to allow customers to control their device their way. As the latest feature to be added to Samsung’s suite of security and privacy innovations, Auto Blocker further optimises the mobile experience for users across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Auto Blocker will be available on Samsung Galaxy devices compatible with One UI 6 starting from 3 November 2023 in Singapore.

^{[1] Authorised sources include Google Play and Galaxy Store}

^{[2] Currently not available on US carrier models.}

^{[3] Examples: Messenger, Telegram, KakaoTalk, WhatsApp.}