A US intelligence representative accused the popular messaging app ToTok of spying on users. The agency believes that the application is being used by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates to monitor user conversations, determine social connections, locations, and more. Over a million ToTok users reside in the UAE, but recently the app has been gaining popularity in other countries, including the USA.
Experts note that the creators of ToTok attempted to hide the app's true origins. It is officially believed that the messenger was developed by Breej Holding. However, American specialists believe that the true creator of the program is DarkMatter, which is based in Abu Dhabi and conducts intelligence activities on behalf of the UAE government. It has also been established that ToTok is based on the Chinese messenger YeeCall.
Representatives of Breej Holding and the CIA declined to comment on the matter. FBI staff stated that they would not discuss specific apps, but the agency wants users to be aware of "potential risks and vulnerabilities" that certain programs may pose.
Apple and Google have removed the ToTok app from their digital content stores. Google stated that the program violated one of the service's rules. Apple explained the removal by saying that the ToTok client is being reviewed by specialists. Experts note that the application may have already caused significant harm to users by stealing their confidential information. Users are advised to interact with messaging applications that transmit data in an encrypted form.
Forrás: 3dnews.ru
