Security News > 2020 > January > Popular Mideast App Accused of Spying Back on Google Play
The popular UAE-developed mobile application ToTok has returned to the Google Play Store after it was removed on claims it was being used for government spying, the company said Saturday.
Google and Apple removed the app from their online marketplaces last month after The New York Times reported ToTok allowed the UAE government to track the conversations, movements and other details of people who installed it on their phone.
"We are happy to inform you #ToTok is now available for download on the Google Play Store," a statement on ToTok's Twitter account said.
Apple told AFP that ToTok was removed from its App Store pending a review, while Google said it was taken down from the Play Store "For a policy issue".
ToTok became popular by offering free calling and messaging to millions of users in countries like the United Arab Emirates where internet calling services like Skype are blocked.