A popular messaging app turned out to be a United Arab Emirates spyware
A New York Times investigation revealed that ToTok, a multi-month widget downloaded by millions of people around the world, provides the Arab state with access to private citizen information. It is also reported that one of the app-related companies is working with Israeli intelligence personnel. Meanwhile, it has been removed from Apple and Google stores
A popular messaging app turned out to be a United Arab Emirates spyware
Photo: Reuters, edited by Tal ResnikA messaging app developed in the United Arab Emirates turned out to be a spy tool - the New York Times revealed. The app, "ToTok," a kind of parallel to Wetsap, has meanwhile been removed from Google and Apple's online stores, but it told its users that it would soon return to stores, from which it was removed for "technical glitches."
According to US officials who spoke to the New York Times, the app allows UAE intelligence access to citizens' conversations, movements and personal information. The app was downloaded by millions of people around the world in just a few months.
The New York Times reported that the app's publishing company, Breej Holding Ltd, is related to DarkMatter, a spy and hacking company in Abu Dhabi that is under investigation by the FBI for suspected cyber crimes. It is also reported that the company employs intelligence agencies from the UAE, former national security agencies and Israeli intelligence personnel.
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To the full articleThe company guarantees that the app will return to online stores soon
ToTok app (Photo: official website)