Security News > 2022 > November > Germany says nein to Qatari World Cup spyware, err, apps

World Cup apps from the Qatari government collect more personal information than they need to, according to Germany's data protection agency, which this week warned football fans to only install the two apps "If it is absolutely necessary." Also: consider using a burner phone.

The two apps are Ehteraz, a Covid-19 tracker from the Qatari Ministry of Public Health, and Hayya from the government's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy overseeing the Cup locally, which allows ticket holders entry into the stadiums and access to free metro and bus transportation services.

Norway's data protection agency this week said it was "Alarmed by the extensive access the apps require" and warned that Qatari authorities likely use the apps to monitors' users location, in addition to snooping through personal data.

According to Germany's BfDI, "The data processing of both apps probably goes much further than the descriptions of the data protection notices and processing purposes in the app stores indicate."

The government's warning, posted this week, says one of the apps collects data on users' phone calls.

The German authorities advise travelers to only install the apps if "Absolutely necessary," and suggests using a separate device, such as a burner phone, for the two apps.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/11/16/germany_world_cup_apps/