Samsung Breaching Customer Data? Viral Video Allegedly Shows Service Centre Technician Accessing WhatsApp at Service Centre in India
A viral video on X allegedly shows a Samsung technician in India accessing a customer's WhatsApp and gallery during a repair. Screen time records revealed 12 minutes of unauthorized activity. While the customer filed police complaints, Samsung has not responded. Users are now being urged to use ‘Maintenance Mode’ for data protection.
Mumbai, January 11: A viral video claiming that a Samsung authorised service centre in India breached customer privacy has triggered widespread concern on social media. The video, shared on X on January 11, 2026, alleges that a customer’s personal data was accessed without consent during a routine phone repair. According to the user who posted the clip, screen time records on his device later showed around 10 minutes of activity in the gallery app and about two minutes on WhatsApp, despite him not authorising access to personal applications.
The shared footage, claimed to be CCTV visuals from inside the service centre, appears to show a technician opening WhatsApp, scrolling through media files and typing on the device. The customer stated that he visited the service centre solely for a repair and did not provide permission to access private data. Smartphone Security Rules: India Proposes Mandatory Source Code Disclosure; Tech Giants Apple, Samsung and Others Express Concern.
Samsung Customer Privacy Data Breach Viral Video
Samsung Service Centre Owner Threatens Him, Alleges Customer
After noticing the activity, the customer reportedly confronted the Samsung service centre staff. While the manager initially cooperated, the owner allegedly issued indirect threats. The service centre had promised to share complete CCTV footage covering the entire repair period, but according to the customer, only a two-minute clip was provided, with further footage denied. He described the video as solid proof of unauthorised access and a violation of privacy.
The incident has drawn strong reactions online, with many users expressing anger over data privacy risks at repair centres. Several highlighted concerns about technicians requesting device passwords or accessing personal accounts during servicing. Others pointed out that Samsung offers a Maintenance Mode feature designed to protect user data during repairs, noting that many customers remain unaware of it. Smartphone Security Rules: Source Code Sharing Talks Are Routine, Not a New Policy Shift, Says ICEA.
As of January 11, 2026, Samsung has not issued an official response to the allegations. The customer has stated that complaints have been filed with the consumer helpline and the police. The episode has once again brought attention to privacy concerns surrounding third-party service centres and the need for stricter safeguards when handling personal devices.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 07:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).