Source: FaceApp
What you need to know
- The FBI has said that FaceApp may be a potential counterintelligence threat.
- According to reports, this is because of its links to Russia.
- The revelation was a response to calls for an FBI investigation from US Senator Chuck Schumer.
A report suggests that the FBI believes FaceApp is a "potential counterintelligence threat" because of its links to Russia.
Previously, US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had called upon the FBI to investigate the app over his concerns regarding data protection. Now according to a report the FBI has responded stating:
The FBI considers any mobile application or similar product developed in Russia, such as FaceApp, to be a potential counterintelligence threat, based on the data the product collects, its privacy and terms of use policies, and the legal mechanisms available to the government of Russia that permit access to data within Russia's borders.
The report from Axios also states that the FBI believes Russia's own intelligence services "maintain robust cyber exploitation capabilites", and that the Russian Federal Security Service can remotely access all communications and servers on Russian networks without permission from ISPs.
According to the report:
The FBI said it will coordinate for notifications and investigations, and will work with applicable task forces if the app is perceived as a threat to "elected officials, candidates, political campaigns or political parties."
In a statement following the FBI's response, Chuck Schumer said:
In light of the FBI's warning that FaceApp, and similar applications developed in Russia, poses a potential counterintelligence threat to the United States, I strongly urge all Americans to consider deleting apps like FaceApp immediately and proceed with extreme caution when downloading apps developed in hostile foreign countries."
FaceApp is the latest to come under fire from US lawmakers and commentators, who are increasingly raising awareness and concerns about privacy and foreign apps. Notably, TikTok has also come under scrutiny in recent weeks, Senator Josh Hawley going so far as introducing a bill seeking to prevent American companies from storing the data of US citizens on servers in China.
Review: Incase's Compact Sleeve w/BIONIC® is made from recycled plastic
Incase makes a high-quality, protective laptop sleeve for your Macbook out of plastic pollution that's been recovered from the ocean. This lets you feel good while protecting your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro.
Review: The Oura Smart Ring gives you deeper insights into your health
If you're not satisfied with the Apple Watch's very basic sleep tracking, then you should consider another wearable on your finger. With the Oura Smart Ring, you won't even know it's there.
Will Nintendo's beloved indies be negatively affected by the Steam Deck?
With the Steam Deck looking to be the second handheld console hybrid on the market, some are worried about how it will affect the Nintendo indies we've come to love.
iPhone doesn't have an SD card slot, but you can use a flash drive instead!
Having a flash drive that works with your iPhone is a great little accessory to have in your back pocket! Here are the best options for backing up your phone.