Bug in Samsung phones randomly sends users' photos to contacts
Reddit users have reported a bug in their Samsung smartphones that is sending random pictures from their camera roll to random contacts via SMS without permission. One user complained that 50 photos were sent to the last person he texted while another said his phone sent all his gallery photos to his girlfriend. Users are taking to Samsung's official forum to report the issue.
Messages are being sent through default texting app, Samsung Messages
Users are not even coming to know of the issue as the bug doesn't show any sent files from their side. Apparently, they found out about the problem only after the recipient confronted them regarding the random photos they received. Further, some users have reported that besides their own images, the bug is also sending emojis and images from third-party apps on their phones.
Samsung has acknowledged the existence of the bug
A Samsung spokesperson said that the company is "aware of the reports" and that it is "looking into it." Users experiencing the issue can directly call the company at 1-800-SAMSUNG. The Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 8 seem to be affected the most.
Most complainants are on T-Mobile's network
Wireless carrier T-Mobile has just issued RCS messaging updates, which will make texting look more like chatting with read receipts and typing indicators, for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. It is being speculated this tweak in the code of Samsung Messages might have led to the issue. However, a T-Mobile spokesperson denied that possibility.
Here is what you can do for the time being
Before an official patch is issued, you can either stop using the Samsung Messages app and install third-party apps like Android Messages by Google for texting, or you can revoke the default texting app's permission to access your photos.
