Have you ever stumbled upon a mysterious app in an Android system setup called “Security Core”? If so, you are not alone. The system service, launched in the second half of 2024, aims to enhance device privacy by detecting sensitive content such as nudity and enabling features such as warnings for sensitive content in Google messages.
While Google assures users that SafetyCore runs locally and does not share data externally, it still confuses the automatic update. Let’s dig deep into the role of security, how it works, and the steps you can take if you choose to do so.
A man scrolling on his Android phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
What you need to know
By definition, Safety Nuclear is a system service that provides on-machine machine learning infrastructure to help detect sensitive content. It is part of the Android 9 and beyond system updates for Google November 7, 2024.
Google initially described SafetyCore as a tool that supports user protection for protecting applications. One of its first visible uses is in Google Messages, which enables sensitive content warnings, a feature that blurs images that may contain nudes and prompts users to use additional options before viewing or sending them.
By default, Google System Services automatically updates devices with security, bug fixes and new features. Some updates are provided in separate Android packages via system services. This follows the principle of least privileges, maintaining privacy, security and data isolation, as permissions are not shared with other features.
SafetyCore does more than just detect naked images. Its built-in machine learning capabilities can also target, detect and filter images for sensitive content. There is no app icon and it will not appear in the usual list of running applications. Users must browse settings > application > Display system process Find it.
A woman holding an Android phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
The best antivirus software for Android – Web Selection 2025
What does Google say?
Google insists that SafetyCore is purely a device classification service and does not report or share scanned content with Google or other entities. The company believes the service can enhance security without compromising privacy, allowing applications to detect and filter unwanted content locally.
We contacted Google and a spokesperson told Cyberguy, “Android offers many in device protection measures that protect users from threats such as malware, messaging spam and abuse protection, and phone scam protection, while preserving user privacy and preventing users from controlling data.
“SafetyCore is a Google system service for Android 9+ devices that provides a device infrastructure for secure and private execution classifications to help users detect unwanted content. Users can control SafetyCore, which only categorizes specific content when requested through application requests through apps through formally enabled features.”
Google also said that as part of its ongoing investment in product transparency, the company is surpassing and surpassing and adding Binary transparency to the security core. This enables users and developers to verify that SafetyCore is indeed privacy-friendly, as Google says.
Samsung phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Looking for more ways to lock your Android? This is the way to do it
How to delete Android security kernel
Settings may vary by the manufacturer of your Android phone. (Note: We tested these steps on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.)
If you want to uninstall or disable security cores on Samsung Galaxy, follow these steps:
(Note: If you decide to disable or get rid of the system security core, you may not benefit from the new security and privacy features or enhancements that Google offers now or in the future.)
- Open Setting up the application On your device
- Tap application
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find it Android system security core
- Click Android system security core And check if the uninstall option is available. if uninstall Available, click it to delete the service. If you uninstall gray, you can only disable it
Uninstall or disable Samsung Galaxy’s security core (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
If you want to uninstall or disable security core on your pixel device, follow these steps:
Settings may vary by the manufacturer of your Android phone. (Note: We tested these steps on the Pixel 9 Pro.)
- Open Setting up the application On your device
- Tap application
- choose View all apps
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find it Android system security core. Click Android system security core
- Check if uninstall Available for selection. If you can uninstall, click to delete the service. If you uninstall gray, you can only disable it
Uninstall or disable security core on pixels (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to cancel your Android subscription to save money
4 Ways to Keep Your Personal Information Secure
If you are concerned about Google’s data collection and want to keep your personal information safe, you can take four steps below.
1) Restrict application permissions: often Review and restrict application permissionsespecially for accessing cameras, microphones, storage or locations. If the app does not require access, undo it in device settings.
2) Disable background data and tracking: Prevent unnecessary tracking by closing background data for applications that do not require continuous Internet access. You can, too Disable location tracking And select Google’s personalized ads in your account settings.
3) Use VPN for safe browsing: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and prevents your ISP, Google or other entities from tracking your online activity. A privacy-centric VPN is an excellent choice for unrecorded user data. For the best VPN software, see my expert reviews for the best VPNs to browse the web privately on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
4) Regularly clear personal data: Delete unnecessary stored data For example, search history, location history, and cache files. You can do this in Google Account Settings and in individual applications to minimize digital footprints.
Kurt’s key points
SafetyCore is an interesting addition to Android, providing device content filtering through machine learning. Although it is designed to enhance privacy and security, some users may have questions about its existence and functionality. Whether you decide to keep it or explore disabling it, it is always a good idea to know what the device is capable of. This way, you can make the choice that best suits your needs and preferences to manage your Android device.
Do you believe Google’s claim that SafetyCore runs entirely on the device and does not share your data? Let’s write to us cyberguy.com/contact.
For more technical tips and security alerts for me, please subscribe to my free online reporting newsletter cyberguy.com/newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you want us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most popular web guess questions:
New things from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. all rights reserved.
