Google Play, Apple App Store Remove Alleged UAE Govt Spying Tool 'ToTok'

A popular Emirati messaging app called ToTok has been removed from the Play Store and the App Store following a New York Times investigation that alleges it to be a spying tool deployed by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The investigation, which was done in collaboration with US authorities officials, seemingly constitute that it is used by the Emirati government "to track every chat, movement, relationship, appointment, sound and image of those who install it on their phones".

The app was analyzed by Patrick Wardle, a former U.s. National Security Agency (NSA) hacker who now works as a private cyber-security researcher. According to the report, "It (ToTok) appears to be a re-create of a Chinese messaging app offering free video calls, YeeCall, slightly customized for English and Arabic audiences". As pointed out by the written report, even the name itself was an apparent play on the pop Chinese app, TikTok, to confuse users into installing information technology on their devices.

While ToTok representatives and the US intelligence bureau, CIA, have both refused to comment on the event, an FBI spokesperson told the NYT that: "while the F.B.I. does not comment on specific apps, we always want to make certain to make users aware of the potential risks and vulnerabilities that these mechanisms can pose". Both Google and Apple reportedly removed it from their respective app repositories on Thursday after being contacted by the publication earlier this month.

While it is no longer available for download directly from either Google Play or the Apple App App Store, Android users may still be able to download APKs from third-party websites to install it on their devices. Moreover, users who already have it on their phones or tablets volition still be able to continue using it without whatever trouble, said the report.