diff --git a/libs/binder/Parcel.cpp b/libs/binder/Parcel.cpp
index 34a474b..96d12ca 100644
--- a/libs/binder/Parcel.cpp
+++ b/libs/binder/Parcel.cpp
@@ -2100,6 +2100,9 @@
 void Parcel::ipcSetDataReference(const uint8_t* data, size_t dataSize,
     const binder_size_t* objects, size_t objectsCount, release_func relFunc)
 {
+    // this code uses 'mOwner == nullptr' to understand whether it owns memory
+    LOG_ALWAYS_FATAL_IF(relFunc == nullptr, "must provide cleanup function");
+
     freeData();
 
     mData = const_cast<uint8_t*>(data);