Some Motorola smartphones are reportedly hijacking the Amazon shopping app to insert affiliate codes, a practice that could generate unauthorized revenue. The behavior was recently observed on several Motorola devices, including the Razr Fold.
This action occurs when users open the Amazon app from the app drawer, briefly redirecting through a web browser before landing in the Amazon application. This quick redirection allows for the injection of an affiliate code, which can earn commissions for qualifying purchases made through the link.
According to 9to5Google, the issue traces back to the Smart Feed app, a pre-loaded application on many Motorola phones. An update to Smart Feed, specifically version 2.03.0070, appears to be responsible for this change in behavior. Devices running older versions, such as Smart Feed v2.03.0056, did not exhibit the same behavior.
A Motorola Razr 60 Ultra user initially identified the activity through an ADB log, which showed the launcher directing users to a URL before opening the Amazon app. Network logs further indicated requests being made to “devicenative.com,” a service known for placing advertisements on smartphones.
The Amazon Associates Program allows content creators, publishers, and bloggers to monetize their traffic by recommending products and earning commissions from qualifying purchases. However, the program’s policies generally require clear consent and proper use of special links, prohibiting practices like hosting or rendering Amazon webpages in WebViews for mobile applications.
This incident raises concerns regarding user control over their devices and the transparency of pre-installed software. Users expect direct access to applications without undisclosed third-party interventions. Motorola has not yet issued an official statement regarding this behavior.
For more information on how Amazon’s affiliate program typically operates, visit the official Amazon Associates Central website. Users can also learn about the Amazon shopping app directly from Amazon.
