SwiftKey glitch reveals random email IDs and foreign words as part of predictions

SwiftKey, the popular Android and iOS on-screen keyboard replacement, appeared to be facing issues with custom word predictions where several users reported seeing unusual word and email ID suggestions compared to what they were accustomed to. In many cases, seemingly legit email IDs of users not on their contact list appeared to be suggested, and foreign word suggestions of languages not installed began appearing.

This glitch in the app was first noticed by a Reddit user where German word predictions began appearing--a language that the user had never used or installed before. Other users then began weighing in, recounting similar experiences of the app acting up. It appeared to point to an error in the cloud synchronization feature of the app, which enables SwiftKey users to save their personal predictions and word usages to the service’s cloud, from where it can be accessed by multiple devices logging in from the same account.

The service, which was acquired by Microsoft in February this year, admitted to this issue via a blog post, stating that they have since disabled the cloud synchronization feature of the app. They also claimed that “The vast majority of SwiftKey users are not affected by this issue.”

The company stated they are working on finding a resolution to this issue and will be updating their blog with developments as they happen.