Virtual Event Now Live: Zero Trust Strategies Summit! - Login for Access
Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

SecurityWeekSecurityWeek

Compliance

Popular Mideast App Accused of Spying Back on Google Play

The popular UAE-developed mobile application ToTok has returned to the Google Play Store after it was removed on claims it was being used for government spying, the company said Saturday.

The popular UAE-developed mobile application ToTok has returned to the Google Play Store after it was removed on claims it was being used for government spying, the company said Saturday.

Google and Apple removed the app from their online marketplaces last month after The New York Times reported ToTok allowed the UAE government to track the conversations, movements and other details of people who installed it on their phone.

“We are happy to inform you #ToTok is now available for download on the Google Play Store,” a statement on ToTok’s Twitter account said.

On its platform, Google lists a series of “updates” to the app, including requesting access to permissions and data and a “newly designed dialog to ask your authorisation of accessing and syncing your contact list”.

The app remains unavailable on the Apple Store.

Apple told AFP that ToTok was removed from its App Store pending a review, while Google said it was taken down from the Play Store “for a policy issue”.

ToTok became popular by offering free calling and messaging to millions of users in countries like the United Arab Emirates where internet calling services like Skype are blocked.

Launched in 2019, ToTok was developed by Breej Holding, which The Times reported is likely a “front company” affiliated with DarkMatter, an Abu Dhabi-based cyberintelligence and hacking firm.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority denied the accusations, saying that the country’s laws “prohibit any kind of data breach and unlawful interception”.

Security researcher Patrick Wardle, who assisted The New York Times, has said ToTok appeared to be part of a “mass surveillance operation”, which “likely afforded in-depth insight in a large percentage of the country’s population”.

ToTok appeared to trick users of iPhones and Android devices into handing over access to their location and private data on their devices, Wardle said.

It was also promoted by what appeared to be fake reviews, he added.

The UAE is investing heavily in new technologies and artificial intelligence, but many experts and organisations accuse the country of strictly restricting freedoms on the internet.

Related: Army’s Use of TikTok App Raises Concerns on Capitol Hill

Related: US Senators Call for Security Probe of TikTok

Related: TikTok Sued in US Over Alleged China Data Transfer

Written By

AFP 2023

Click to comment

Trending

Daily Briefing Newsletter

Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest threats, trends, and technology, along with insightful columns from industry experts.

Join SecurityWeek and Hitachi Vantara for this this webinar to gain valuable insights and actionable steps to enhance your organization's data security and resilience.

Register

Event: ICS Cybersecurity Conference

The leading industrial cybersecurity conference for Operations, Control Systems and IT/OT Security professionals to connect on SCADA, DCS PLC and field controller cybersecurity.

Register

People on the Move

Threat intelligence firm Intel 471 has appointed Mark Huebeler as its COO and CFO.

Omkhar Arasaratnam, former GM at OpenSSF, is LinkedIn's first Distinguised Security Engineer

Defense contractor Nightwing has appointed Tricia Fitzmaurice as Chief Growth Officer.

More People On The Move

Expert Insights

Daily Briefing Newsletter

Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest cybersecurity news, threats, and expert insights. Unsubscribe at any time.