Google and Apple removed an Emirati messaging app by the name ToTok amid allegations of espionage.
This app is, however, not the same as Chinese TikTok, which also faces a similar accusation. ToTok describes itself as an easy and secure way to chat by video or text.
The New York Times (NYT) has reported allegations that the WhatsApp-lookalike is a spy tool for the United Arab Emirates government.
ToTok, however, told its users that it will be back in the app stores soon.
In a blog post, the app wrote that it is “temporarily unavailable” on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store because of a “technical issue”.
Citing American officials as sources, the NYT reports that ToTok gives UAE spies access to citizen’s conversations, movements, and other personal information like photos.
Google removed the app on 19th December 2019 and Apple followed suit the next day. However, ToTok users, who already have the app on their phone, can carry on using it.
ToTok is just several months old but it already has millions of downloads from users in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, according to the NYT.
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Google Play Store indicates that it had five million Android downloads alone before its removal. App-tracker App Annie also said that ToTok was one of the most downloaded social apps in the US last week.
The NYT reports that the app’s publisher, Breej Holding Ltd, has links with DarkMatter. DarkMatter is an intelligence and hacking firm based in Abu Dhabi. The company is allegedly under investigation by the FBI for possible cyber-related crimes.
Existing users to continue using ToTok amid espionage allegations
DarkMatter has in its employ Emirati intelligence officials, former National Security Agency employees, and former Israeli military intelligence operatives, according to the NYT.
“While the existing ToTok users continue to enjoy our service without interruption, we would like to inform our new users that we are well engaged with Google and Apple to address the issue,” ToTok said in a blog.
ToTok’s privacy policy states; it may share personal data with “law enforcement, officials, regulatory agencies and other lawful access requests”.
It also states: “We may share your personal data with group companies.”
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