Aftermarket touchscreens sold online as upgrades for older cars may arrive with software that buyers do not expect, according to a case involving a Honda Civic owner in the United States. The owner bought a China-made screen through Amazon, and a specialist examined it before installation.
The inspection reportedly found a voice assistant using Android’s WebView component, which lets apps display web content. The assistant appeared to use about one-third of the device’s processing power even while idle. The system also contained Baidu location services, a call recorder and Adobe Acrobat. The article does not establish that the software was transmitting personal data, but says the findings prompted privacy concerns.
A script on the device was configured to reinstall QQMusic, Ximalaya and an app store. These services and apps are associated with China’s media market and may have little use for many buyers elsewhere. The report notes that such screens are sold in markets outside China, often to drivers seeking to replace old radios or update their cars’ interiors, while sellers may not clearly disclose the included software. It advises buyers to check what is installed before fitting a low-cost aftermarket unit.