NewProfilePic App Allegedly Collects Facebook User Data in Behalf of Russia

NewProfilePic app is now accused of collecting sensitive Facebook user data on behalf of Russia. With that, security experts are now urging consumers not to use it.

NewProfilePic App Allegedly Collects Facebook User Data in Behalf of Russia
This photograph taken on November 5, 2021, shows the logo of US online social media and social networking service Facebook on a laptop screen in Moscow. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

For those who are not familiar with the app, it uses artificial intelligence to turn profile pictures into digital artworks.

This means that it can create new versions of your original image with more creative twists. However, cybersecurity warned that its AI feature is really used for more alarming reasons.

Now, here's why experts are suggesting Facebook users uninstall the app.

NewProfilePic App Allegedly Collects Facebook Data

According to CNET's latest report, the NewProfilePic app is somehow similar to the controversial application called FaceApp.

NewProfilePic App Allegedly Collects Facebook User Data in Behalf of Russia
A collage of profile pictures makes up a wall in the break room at the new Facebook Data Center on April 19, 2012 in Forest City, North Carolina. The company began construction on the facility in November 2010 and went live today, serving the 845 million Facebook users worldwide. Photo by Rainier Ehrhardt/Getty Images

As of writing, this photo tool is available for iOS and Android users. Since people are having fun when using the app, they tend to forget that online attackers can use it to gather their sensitive Facebook user data.

"This feels exactly like the FaceApp situation, with one important difference: the world is at war with Russia now," said Bob Sullivan, a cybersecurity journalist.

On the other hand, the Daily Mail UK reported that tens of thousands of Facebook users are already uploading their photos on the app to alter them.

How Serious is NewProfilePic Issue?

Security experts explained that the developer of the app is located in Moscow. However, Linerock Investments Ltd's location was then changed to the Virgin Islands.

Some individuals may say that accusing an app of malicious campaigns just because Russian companies developed it is unfair.

However, researchers said that the NewProfilePic's policy clearly states that it collects personal information that users send to them voluntarily.

This means that anything you upload to the app is acquired. These include email addresses, images, and even passwords. If you want to see further details of the controversial NewProfilePic app, you can visit this link.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts claim that Windows event logs are now being used to hide malware and other malicious content.

On the other hand, a new study discovered that websites could also track typing.

For more news updates about the NewProfilePic app and other apps that can put your data at risk, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by: Griffin Davis

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