Motorola is facing new scrutiny after a Redditor discovered that launching the Amazon app from the app drawer on certain Motorola phones triggers a brief browser redirect that inserts an affiliate link. The practice, first reported by 9to5Google, bears a striking resemblance to the controversial tactics used by Honey, the PayPal-owned browser extension that was accused of hijacking affiliate cookies. This is not just a minor glitch; it represents a potential breach of user trust and a possible violation of affiliate marketing ethics.
How the Affiliate Hijacking Works
According to the Reddit user, who analyzed network packets, when a user taps the Amazon app icon on a Motorola smartphone running the Smart Feed app, the phone does not directly open Amazon. Instead, it briefly opens a browser window that navigates to a URL containing an affiliate code before redirecting to the Amazon app. This process happens so quickly that the user may not even notice. The affiliate code is designed to track the user and provide a commission to Motorola (or its partners) for every purchase made through the app. However, because the redirect is automatically inserted, this effectively steals the commission from any other affiliate who might have originally referred the user.
This is essentially the same technique that Honey was accused of using. In December 2024, a lawsuit alleged that Honey’s browser extension would override existing affiliate cookies at checkout, replacing them with Honey’s own affiliate codes. The lawsuit, filed by a group of YouTube creators and publishers, claimed that Honey deprived them of thousands of dollars in commissions. PayPal eventually settled the case for an undisclosed sum, but the damage to Honey’s reputation was done.
Similarities to the Honey Scandal
Motorola’s implementation is particularly concerning because it targets the native Amazon app rather than a browser. The Honey controversy centered on browser extensions, which users could choose to install or not. In Motorola’s case, the Smart Feed app comes pre-installed on many Motorola devices, including the Razr Fold and Edge series. Users have no choice unless they manually disable the app. The Redditor who discovered the redirect noted that it only occurs when launching Amazon from the app drawer; if the user navigates to Amazon via a browser or another app, the redirect does not happen. This suggests that Motorola is specifically exploiting the app launch intent on the device.
Another curious detail is that the affiliate code used appears to be associated with a fashion influencer's name, though it is unclear whether that influencer is aware of the arrangement or if it is simply a tracking placeholder. Motorola has not responded to requests for comment, and the company’s silence only adds to users' unease. The Verge reached out to Motorola but received no reply as of press time.
Implications for User Privacy and Trust
The incident raises serious questions about the extent to which phone manufacturers are monitoring user activity and injecting content. Smart Feed is marketed as a news and recommendation widget, similar to Google Discover or Samsung Free. However, running code that intercepts app launches and inserts affiliate redirects is a far cry from showing news headlines. Users who purchased Motorola phones expecting a clean Android experience may feel betrayed. This practice undermines the concept of a secure mobile platform, where users should be able to trust that the apps they tap will open without hidden redirects.
Privacy advocates have long warned about bloatware and pre-installed apps that collect data or modify device behavior. While some manufacturers include sponsored apps for revenue, actively hijacking affiliate links crosses a new line. It is a form of ad fraud, and it could expose Motorola to legal liability similar to that faced by Honey. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been increasingly aggressive about deceptive online practices, and this could attract regulatory scrutiny.
How to Protect Yourself
Fortunately, the fix is straightforward. As 9to5Google reported, users can disable the Smart Feed app entirely by navigating to Settings > Apps > search for “Smart Feed” > Tap on it > then select “Disable.” Disabling the app appears to have no negative side effects on the device’s core functionality. The notification feed will no longer appear, but users can still access widgets from other sources. The Razr Fold used in the test immediately stopped the redirect after Smart Feed was disabled.
It is worth noting that disabling the app does not remove the underlying code from the system partition. For users who are particularly concerned about privacy, there are more drastic options. Some users may choose to use a custom launcher that does not rely on the stock app drawer, or to install a firewall app that blocks outgoing connections from Smart Feed. However, disabling the app is sufficient to stop the affiliate hijacking.
Broader Industry Context
Motorola is not the first phone maker to engage in questionable affiliate marketing. In the past, several Android manufacturers have been caught pre-installing apps that inject ads or track user behavior. For example, in 2017, researchers found that certain budget Android phones from China came with pre-installed adware that could not be removed. More recently, there have been reports of phones from various brands that redirect traffic through affiliate links without user consent.
The Honey scandal exposed how pervasive affiliate hijacking has become in the online ecosystem. It is a practice that hurts content creators who rely on affiliate commissions for income. If a tech company as large as Motorola is doing this on its own devices, it suggests that the problem is even more widespread than previously thought. The affiliate marketing industry is based on trust: a creator recommends a product, provides a link, and receives a small fee for the sale. When a third party inserts itself into that process, it undermines the entire model.
This also has implications for the upcoming EU Digital Markets Act and other consumer protection laws. Regulators are increasingly looking at pre-installed software and default settings as potential gatekeeping mechanisms. If Motorola is found to have intentionally hijacked links, it could face fines or forced changes in how it distributes apps.
What Motorola Should Do
Until Motorola issues an official statement, users are left to speculate. The best-case scenario is that this was an “unintended” bug, as Motorola later claimed in a follow-up story (though that story appeared after the initial report). But even if it was a mistake, the lack of transparency is troubling. Motorola should immediately release a statement explaining the situation, offer a patch to remove the redirect, and conduct an audit of all pre-installed apps to ensure no other hidden redirects exist. The company should also consider compensating affected users or creators whose commissions were stolen.
In the meantime, users are advised to disable Smart Feed and remain vigilant. The incident serves as a reminder that bloatware is not just an annoyance; it can actively harm users and the broader digital economy. As consumers become more aware of these practices, they may start demanding cleaner software free from hidden tricks.
The discovery by a random Redditor highlights the power of community-driven investigation. Without packet sniffing, this redirect might have gone unnoticed for months or years. It also underscores the importance of open platforms where users can inspect network activity. On an iPhone, similar behavior would likely be blocked by the stricter sandboxing and App Store review process. On Android, the openness that allows for such exploration also opens the door for these hidden practices.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops. Motorola’s response will be crucial in determining whether this was a one-off mistake or part of a broader strategy to monetize user activity. For now, the advice remains simple: disable Smart Feed and check your app activities regularly. The tech industry has a long history of pushing boundaries until regulators or public backlash force a retreat. This might be another such moment.
Source: The Verge News