Amazon No Longer Selling BLU Phones Citing Security Reasons

BY Chethan Rao

Published 1 Aug 2017

BLU Studio C

In November last year, smartphone manufacturer BLU came under severe scrutiny after a security firmed detailed how its phones were sending device data such as call logs and text messages to a Chinese server.

However, the phone continued to remain on sale via Amazon after BLU made sure that it was on top of the issue. Well, Amazon has now decided to halt sales of all BLU phones on its site mentioning security reasons. It’s unclear at this point if this is the same issue as the one that surfaced last year. There were some reports which mentioned that the security issues from November had resurfaced, although they were subsequently debunked.

It should be noted that BLU has ultra-cheap “Prime exclusive” devices with Amazon featuring lock screen ads and other promotional materials. This means that the two companies have a close working relationship. However, Amazon seems to have had enough of the company’s promises and has finally decided to pull the plug until the issue is resolved.

Speaking to CNET, Amazon gave the following statement: “Because security and privacy of our customers is of the utmost importance, all BLU phone models have been made unavailable for purchase on Amazon.com until the issue is resolved.”

Amazon is asking potential customers to contact BLU directly for information on their smartphones. It’s a bit surprising that it has taken Amazon nearly 8 months to make a call on BLU phones. As for the customers who bought a BLU phone in the past eight months, there’s more reason to worry now. Amazon continues to sell Prime exclusive devices from companies like Alcatel, Nokia, and Moto on its site.

[Via CNET]