Faceapp: A Fun App with a Hidden Security Threat

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

Primary source Kenyan Digest archive

This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.

Faceapp, a popular app that allows users to change their appearance to look younger or older, has been downloaded by over 100 million people worldwide. The app's popularity was fueled by celebrities and famous people who shared their experiences with the app.

However, beneath the fun and games, security concerns have been raised about the app's data collection practices. According to Forbes, the app's developers have access to a vast amount of user data, including information from users' phones.

Although the app's developers, led by CEO Yaroslav Goncharov, claim that the app is built using general-use libraries and does not collect sensitive information, experts are warning users to be cautious. Goncharov explained in an interview that the app was built in just eight months, thanks to the team's prior experience in deep learning and computer vision.

While the app is not currently causing any harm, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of the data we share online. As one expert noted, 'it's best to be safe than sorry.'

Faceapp was developed in St. Petersburg, Russia, and has been downloaded by millions of people worldwide. The app's popularity has led to a number of high-profile users, including celebrities and influencers.

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