Is the ‘FaceApp Challenge’ Safe?
Published -
- July 17, 2019
- 9:51 pm
FaceApp, which can generate altered images that make users look decades older, has become a national obsession.
The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood and Kevin Hart have all taken the so-called FaceApp Challenge, along with tens of millions of others worldwide. But cybersecurity experts say FaceApp’s terms of service are raising red flags. “We just don’t know enough about this organization,” says author David Fergusson about FaceApp’s Russian creators.
What are the potential security risks associated with the ‘FaceApp Challenge’?
In recent weeks, the ‘FaceApp Challenge’ has gone viral on social media. The app, which uses artificial intelligence to digitally age a user’s photo, has sparked debates about the safety and privacy of such applications. While many have embraced the trend and enjoyed seeing themselves as seniors, some have expressed concerns about the app’s usage of personal data.
The app, which was created by the Russian-based company Wireless Lab, has been downloaded by millions globally. It requires users to submit their photos before processing them through its aging filter. However, concerns have been raised about the app’s privacy policy, which allows it to access and use a user’s personal photos and data. Critics have questioned whether the app is a data-harvesting tool, collecting people’s photos and data for purposes that may not be clear.
Some have also pointed out that the app’s terms of service were initially only available in Russian, leading to suspicions about its true intentions. The company has since updated its terms of service to be more transparent. Nonetheless, the concern over the app’s safety remains.
But are these concerns justified, or are they unfounded fears? According to cybersecurity experts, the app has both privacy and security risks that users should be aware of. The risks include unauthorized access to personal information, as well as the possibility of face recognition technology being used to track users across the internet. Moreover, the app’s privacy policy reportedly allows Wireless Lab to sell user data to third-party entities without users’ explicit permission.
Another issue to consider is the potential for the app to be misused by malicious actors. As the app gains popularity, cybercriminals may use it as a tool for phishing scams or malware infections. Users could unknowingly provide scammers access to their personal information or download malicious software onto their devices.
So, is the ‘FaceApp Challenge’ safe? The answer is not straightforward. While the app itself may not be a significant threat to users, the nature of its privacy policy and its access to personal data creates risks that should not be ignored. Those who have downloaded the app should be vigilant about the data they have submitted and should consider deleting the app and their data altogether should they become concerned.
In conclusion, the ‘FaceApp Challenge’ is an entertaining trend that has taken the internet by storm. However, users should be cautious about the privacy and security risks associated with the app. It is essential to remember that while the app may seem innocent, the consequences of sharing personal data online can have significant impacts on individuals and their privacy. It is up to the users to be proactive and make informed decisions about what personal data to share and with whom.
