Video chat app ToTok has been removed from the official Android and iOS app stores by Google and Apple respectively, following growing concerns that it was actually helping the government of the United Arab Emirates spy on users’ conversations and location.
The ToTok was first pulled from the Google Play store in December, only to be reinstated in January after an update to the Android version of the app introduced a dialog box that asked users’ permission to access and sync their list of contacts.
Now ToTok appears to have roused the ire of Google again, as the app was once again withdrawn from the Android app store last week.
Android users who have already installed the app are likely to be disturbed by the following warning from Google popping up on their device:
Play Protect warning
ToTok
This app tries to spy on your personal data, such as SMS messages, photos, audio recordings, or call history
Even if you have heard of this app or the app developer, this version of the software could harm your device.
The warning then offers the option of uninstalling the app if the user wishes.
ToTok is, to put it mildly, totok tells users ignore google spyware warning
