Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 18-07-2019

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

A cybercrime expert from business continuity services company IronTree says the Russian photo app FaceApp can take users photographs and use it in Russia.

Concerns have been raised that FaceApp, which is based in Saint Petersburg, requires users to hand over access to their personal photographs and phone data.

FaceApp, which was developed by Russian company Wireless Lab and launched in 2017, went viral this week after introducing a tool that allowed users to edit photos of their faces to show what they might look like when they were older.

According to its website, the app uses artificial intelligence to power its photo editing software and has 80m active users.

Speaking to Radio Islam, IronTree’s Steven Cohen says when the app is installed it does request permission to use peoples photograph.

“It can take photographs of you and use it Russia and may be put you on a bus shelter advert advertising a shaving cream. You’ve got to decide how much of an issue that is for you.”

Cohen says if people are concerned by the risks of FaceApp or any other apps, they should refrain from downloading them.

Listen to the interview with Steven Cohen