In Catalonia, the police now systematically associate Google Pixel smartphones with criminal activities. In question: their compatibility with a prized alternative operating system of traffickers.
The Google Pixel, often praised for their sobriety and their efficiency, have become the subject of particular attention in the Catalan streets. Not for their photo performance, but because they are frequently identified in the hands of drug traffickers, for a very simple reason.
Why do traffickers like Google Pixel
What attracts criminals is the ability of Google Pixel to welcome Grapheneos, an alternative operating system focused on security and confidentiality. Developed to provide better control over personal data, this system fully uses the material capacities of Google Pixelin particular their compatibility with advanced functions such as encryption of metadata or ARM V9 memory protection.
According to Catalan police, these devices are regularly used in networks of drug trafficking. The criminals go so far as to remove the camera, the GPS and the microphone of the phones, in order to avoid any surveillance. Ironically, the functionality “Locate my device”, which has changed its name recently, supposed to help users find their aircraft, is also diverted by criminals to erase their traces remotely.
An increasingly muscular police response
Faced with this trend, the Catalan authorities have decided to react. The police use spy software to infiltrate suspicious devices, including those under grapheneos, despite its advanced defenses. Their objective is obviously to access messages, documents or multimedia content stored on devices.
To read: Android 16 has a very special function to dissuade thieves
Although Google is in no way involved in these diverted uses, the combination of powerful equipment, an open system like Android, and the possibility of installing a OS like GrapheneOSmakes pixels particularly attractive for those who wish to escape digital surveillance. Result: a simple smartphone can now be enough to arouse suspicion during a routine control in Catalonia. You are warned.
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