Tech Wrap: Facebook user data leaks again, Galaxy Note 20 leak and more

The ban on 59 Chinese apps is still very fresh in India. And there have been new developments today as well. But the day started with Facebook admitting that it had been giving user data to third-party developers again. Google announced it is discontinuing its Pixel 3a series which launched last year.

Major shocker arrived as Google Play Store blocked all 59 Chinese apps in India. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note 20 Ultra showed up on the company’s website. No surprise there. TikTok also clarified that it’s not going to take any legal action against the ban.

So here’s a roundup of everything that made headlines in tech today.

Facebook user data

Facebook said that third-party developers continued to receive user data as updates even after it should have been stopped. Facebook had promised in 2018 that no third-party developer would get access to data 90 days after the user stops using the app. But turns out data was still accessible even after 90 days. Facebook however didn’t specify the number of users that were affected.

Pixel 3a discontinued

Google has officially discontinued the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 XL smartphones. Customers will still be able to purchase the phones as long as they are in stock. But Google will stop working on them. Google launched the Pixel 3a series as affordable Pixel phones last summer. It’s expected to launch the successor Pixel 4a soon.

Google Play Store blocks Chinese apps

Despite the ban order, the 59 Chinese apps except for TikTok were still available on Google Play Store. But Google today announced it is temporarily blocking access to all 59 apps in India. Google also said that it has notified the developers, and it is currently reviewing the interim orders from the government.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra leak

In what appears to be a not so surprising news, Samsung ‘accidentally’ leaked its own smartphone ‘Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’. It appeared briefly at the company’s official Russian website. Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is seen in a copper gold colour with three rear cameras, and its S Pen as well.

Tiktok ban

TikTok today clarified that it does not plan on taking legal actions against the Indian government for banning the app. The statement came amid reports stating that TikTok was going to do so. TikTok has been invited to meet with government stakeholders to respond and submit clarifications. Among the 59 Chinese apps banned, TikTok has been affected the most.