This messaging app is reportedly a secret UAE surveillance tool

The app grew popular amongst the Emiratis because other messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Skype are banned

Spying and accessing someone’s computer device without consent is considered an illegal act and is punishable by the rule of law.

However, surveillance apps have become the new wave in the tech world from citizens to the government all making use of technology to keep an eye on people.

One such popular spying app is ToTok, which according to Mashable has been removed from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store as well.

An investigation was carried out by the US officials in which the New York Times revealed that ToTok is an espionage tool used by the United Arab Emirates which seems less threatening than it actually appears.

Cyber-security and its objectives 

The app was released in July and instantly grew popular amongst the Emiratis primarily because other messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Skype are banned in the country hence this free and fully functional app was received with great excitement.

ToTok is trending globally with the majority using the app in the Middle Eastern countries and the rest of the world with its convenient and cheap alternative.

"Our analysis showed that ToTok, simply does what it claims to do… and really nothing more," said Patrick Wardle, former National Security Agency hacker.

The app requests access to the device’s microphone, camera, photos, location, calendar and contacts which enables it to spy on its users.

"It is really the genius of the whole mass surveillance operation: no exploits, no backdoors, no malware. You don’t need to hack people to spy on them if you can get people to willingly download this app to their phone," said Wardle.

According to a blog post by ToTok, "tens of millions of users across hundreds of countries," have left thousands of positive reviews, and have commented on the app meeting "high-security standards."

Cybercriminal network expanding fast

The messaging app also addressed the claims of it being unavailable, "Indeed, ToTok is temporarily unavailable in these two stores due to a technical issue. While the existing ToTok users continue to enjoy our service without interruption, we would like to inform our new users that we are well engaged with Google and Apple to address the issue," stated the blog post.

However, as per the report published by the New York Times, ToTok was removed from Google's store for transgressing against “unspecified policies", and that Apple is inspecting the app.