Worried About Video Leaks? These Smartphone Brands Raise Serious Privacy Concerns

In the age of smartphones, our entire lives—private videos, messages, photos, and even work communications—are stored on our devices. But have you ever wondered how safe your phone really is? If you’re worried about video leaks, there are some brands you might want to avoid—particularly OnePlus and ZTE.

These two Chinese smartphone manufacturers, while known for affordability and high-end specs, have faced repeated scrutiny over data privacy violations and alleged surveillance practices. And if your phone holds anything personal or sensitive, this information could help you make smarter, safer choices.

OnePlus: Once a Flagship Killer, Now a Privacy Concern

OnePlus entered the market with a bang—top-tier performance at mid-range prices. But beneath that sleek interface lies a troubling record of privacy issues.

Back in 2017, OnePlus was caught silently collecting sensitive user data including IMEI numbers, MAC addresses, app usage history, and more—without user consent. Around the same time, security experts found that an internal app called EngineerMode acted as a backdoor, letting anyone with access to the device gain full control. Imagine your phone being taken over within seconds—that’s not just bad design, it’s a serious privacy threat.

Fast forward to 2025, U.S. lawmakers have asked the Commerce Department to investigate whether OnePlus phones are secretly transmitting data—including screen recordings—to servers in China. While no hard evidence has been made public yet, experts caution that even “passive telemetry” can be harmful if misused or intercepted.

To make things worse, OnePlus experienced two major data breaches in 2018 and 2019 that exposed customer details like names, emails, and addresses. These repeated lapses paint a pattern of negligence that users can’t afford to ignore.

ZTE: Banned and Under Watch

ZTE might not be in the headlines as often as OnePlus, but its issues are just as severe. Like Huawei, ZTE has been banned in the U.S. for allegedly helping foreign governments spy on users through its devices.

In 2018, ZTE was placed on the U.S. Entity List, restricting it from working with American companies due to national security concerns. While it may not have as many publicized leaks or backdoors, the mere fact that it remains highly restricted in the U.S. and Europe speaks volumes about trust and transparency.

Would you really want to store your sensitive content on a device that several governments don’t trust?

Should You Be Worried About Video Leaks?

The short answer is yes. If your phone stores private videos, documents, or work communications, choosing a brand with a shady security history is a real risk.

Neither OnePlus nor ZTE has demonstrated consistent transparency or a strong commitment to user privacy. Recurring problems such as factory-installed malware, unauthorized data sharing, and delayed public responses only make things worse.

Even if no single incident proves a deliberate plan to spy on users, the accumulation of issues suggests you should be cautious.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Worried about video leaks or data misuse? Here are some actionable steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Choose phones from brands with solid privacy reputations—such as Apple, Samsung, or Google Pixel.
• Always keep your phone updated to the latest firmware version to patch any known security vulnerabilities.
• Avoid installing shady apps—stick to verified apps from trusted developers.
• Uninstall or disable bloatware, especially those preloaded apps you never use.
• If you’re tech-savvy, consider custom ROMs that give you full control over what runs on your device.

Final Thoughts

Privacy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’re worried about video leaks or your data falling into the wrong hands, don’t overlook the brand behind your smartphone. Even the flashiest specs or best camera aren’t worth your personal safety.

Choose smart. Choose secure.