Following request from Electronic Security Service, app violating privacy rules removed from Google Play Store and App Store

The Electronic Security Service (ESS) under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies has directly contacted the Facebook team about the Ghosty app.
 
Based on the request, Ghosty app, which caused serious concern for Instagram users both in our country and abroad, and violated users’ right to privacy and Instagram privacy rules in recent days, has been removed from Google Play Store and App Store.
 
This application, developed by an unknown developer, makes it possible to open hidden Instagram accounts, view users’ personal information and upload account photos. When registering, the application gains access to the login details (login and password) of the Instagram user and defines hidden profiles in this account. When viewing any of these hidden profiles, the app opens another session and shows this profile in a completely open form. Consequently, those who provide their username and password using this application allow other Ghosty users to view private profiles in their accounts. As the popularity of application grows, the number of “opened” profiles also increases. According to foreign sources, since its inception, the application has been downloaded through Google Play Store more than 500,000 times.
 
Taking into consideration that Instagram allows users to maintain the confidentiality of their profile and allow only confirmed subscribers to share posts, photos or videos, this is a serious violation of user privacy. At the same time, according to the terms of use of Instagram, users cannot transfer their rights to other users through their accounts.
 
After the request of Electronic Security Service, Facebook team together with Google have conducted an investigation, as a result of which the application has been removed from the Google Play Store and App Store. According to official information of Facebook management, an official warning has been sent to the developer of Ghosty app to immediately remove this app, which violates Instagram rules, as well as to suspend illegal activities in connection with Instagram. Facebook is currently taking steps to bring this person to responsibility and is strengthening security measures.
 
The Electronic Security Service recommends citizens not to download such unofficial apps, not to provide sensitive information such as access data and not compromise the confidentiality of their data and those around them.
 
In the event of such incidents, citizens are requested to notify the Electronic Security Service.



 

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