Updated [May 13, 2022]: Added statement from cybersecurity expert. A persons contact list could be accessed and the app could collect visual information through the images that you upload, including your profile photos. This app was developed by a company in the British Virgin Islands that uses a team of international developers, some of whom live in Russia. The app is number one in photos on the Apple app store and has been rated 25,000 times on Google Play. ), We reached out to Google, Apple, and the user who posted the above-displayed message, and we will update this article if more information becomes available. Rishi Sunak looked like he had won the lottery. Kate Polezhaeva, a spokesperson for Linerock Investment LTD, which developed NewProfilePic, told VERIFY via email the company currently has development and customer support offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The firm claims the "detected key points may be kept along with the photo on the servers of our providers for up to two weeks from the last interaction with the photo to speed up further processing of the same photos". According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock is registered in Moscow and has a Russian director. On 05/12/2022 Williams filed a Personal Injury - Other Personal Injury lawsuit against Linerock Investments, LTD. It is the former Moscow address of the founder of the company. I saw a lot of my friends from high school and family posting photos of themselves in this portrait, sort of like painting mode, said Maria Combe. Youve probably seen it sweeping across your social media feeds. Need more. Last 365 Days. ? Called NewProfilePic (also NewProfilePic Picture Editor), the app has taken the internet by storm and already boasts tens of thousands of users. 20006, Florida And it should be again. "All user photos are hosted and processed on the Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure servers, which are located outside the Russian Federation. DON'T MISSKyiv stands tall after Putin bombardment with two-thirds returning[LATEST]Ukraine ambassador blasts Austria protesters removed from Russia rally[REPORT]Exactly how the UK would react if Russia attacks a NATO ally[ANALYSIS]. A second Twitter user echoed the sentiment, saying "NewProfilePic app is Russian owned and likely to contain ransomware.". That said, New Profile Pic's permissions aren't abnormal. Nevertheless, your photos (or any other data) are NOT sent to Moscow. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists offshore leaks database shows that Linerock Investments Ltd has an address in Moscow and is also The records cover more than 80 years up to 2020 and link to people and companies in more than 200 countries and territories. James Ritter is a cyber security expert and CEO of Pulse Tech and showed online documents that reveal the owner of the app was registered in Moscow, Russia. Contrary to the claim, it doesnt include banking information or contacts. ESET Internet Security Global Cybersecurity Advisor Jake Moore has questioned why the popular new app would want such a high level of data from its users, especially when the company is based abroad. Lunina said the domain address in Moscowwas registered tothe former addressof Victor Sazhin, the founder of Linerock. According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock is registered in Moscow and has a Russian director. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. It said it was only registered in Moscow because that was the former home of the founder of the company, who has now moved. Discover best apps & games for you from over 6,000,000 apps. ", Lula's staff infiltrated and caused damage while the Brazilian Patriots cleaned up., Ray Epps confessed to Jan. 6 Committee he orchestrated attack on Capitol, Tee Higgins "isn't even leaving the hospital till he knows (Damar) Hamlin is OK.", Video shows Sen. John Kennedy telling Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, You will be impeached., The Federal Reserve has suspended the availability of new currency.. "Regardless of where they are based, I would always err on the side of caution when handing over sensitive data as once it has gone it is virtually impossible to gain control of it back.". Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. We need your help. The ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database is licensed under the Open Database License and contents under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license. Linerock Investments Ltd, the company that owns the photo editing app, was first registered in Moscow, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. ', The company behind the app is Linerock Investments Limited, Users have praised its ease of use and quality of the avatars, Some have decided against uploading their own photographs and instead used an image of Roger Moore playing secret agent Simon Templar, On Apple's App Store, the App is number one in the photo and video chart, while more than 25,000 have rated it on the Google Play Store, This user claims 'he should've never have been given access to this app', The app can transform an ordinary photograph into a digital avatar in a matter of seconds, This user praised the rejuvenating quality of the app which was able to remove some wrinkles, One security expert warned: 'This app is likely a way of capturing peoples faces in high resolution and I would question any app wanting this amount of data, especially one which is largely unheard of and based in another country'. stated on November 19, 2022 a screenshot: stated on February 25, 2023 in a Facebook post: stated on February 22, 2023 in a Facebook post: stated on February 26, 2023 in an Instagram post: stated on February 27, 2023 in a Facebook post: stated on February 15, 2023 in a Facebook post: stated on February 26, 2023 in a video on Facebook: stated on February 25, 2023 in an Instagram post: stated on February 18, 2023 in a Facebook post: All Rights Reserved Poynter Institute 2020, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. NewProfilePics founder was born in Russia and the company has some offices in Russia. Washington, DC One person shared a screenshot of the requested app permissions and wrote: "DO NOT download the NEW PROFILE PIC.COM APP it takes all your information and sends it to Moscow!!!!!!!". Ukraine LIVE: Putin humiliated as satellite pics show tanks wiped out, US warns UK of '9/11-style' attack on critical infrastructure by Putin, Russia news: A cyber security expert has warned users over the New Profile Pic app, Satellite images reveal Russia building new bridges towards West, Russia threat: PM has letters of last resort ready to go, Russia news: 'The NewProfilePic app lets you change your user image as often as you want', Russia news: the New Profile Pic app is proving to be extremely popular with users, If it came to it Moscow couldn't stop NATO nukes and Putin knows it, Kyiv stands tall after Putin bombardment with two-thirds returning, Ukraine ambassador blasts Austria protesters removed from Russia rally, Exactly how the UK would react if Russia attacks a NATO ally, Putin has 'written off' key areas as Kremlin 'desperation' grows, Ukrainian troops have lucky escape as missile strikes metres away, Putins fury as Russia does NOT have weapons that can wipe out UK. Its flagship app, Photo Lab, has been downloaded over 200 million Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Ellie Bamber, Salma Hayek and Olivia Wilde lead the red Do not sell or share my personal information. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. We did not and do not plan to have any affiliation with any governmental organisations of any country.. Some social media users claimed the app was stealing data in a criminal fashion. Facebook users are being warned over a popular new profile pic trend that is sending your data to Moscow. Overall, we estimate that Linerock Investments LTDs apps have collected about 300 million installs, 6 million of them in the last 30 days. However, some experts believe that the service, which utilizes facial-recognition technology, is sending users' photographs and data to the Kremlin, per the Daily Mail. 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The app is called New Profile Pic. It works by snapping a picture of yourself and in seconds, it looks like a work of art on canvas, but the bigger concern is the artist behind the painting. There are legitimate uses for offshore companies and trusts. a story from the British tabloid Daily Mail, British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission, Yes, eligible Americans need to apply for a federal program to get discounted internet service, Yes, Uber and Lyft customers can be refunded for canceling a ride if a driver doesn't wear a mask, No, police cannot force you to unlock your cellphone without a search warrant, Kate Polezhaeva, spokesperson for Linerock Investments LTD, Privacy policies for Linerock Investment LTD apps, Picsart, TikTok and Facebook. "This app is likely a way of capturing peoples faces in high resolution and I would question any app wanting this amount of data, especially one which is largely unheard of and based in another country. It is also worth reiterating that this app didn't come from a new company, and New Profile Pic isn't their first app. Linerock Investments Ltd, the company that owns the photo editing app, was first registered in Moscow, according to the International Consortium of Investigative By agreeing to download the app, users are willing to share their location, details about the device they are using as well as other photographs on their social media feeds. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Some information may have changed over time. 'We understand that due to the current events in Ukraine, any connection to Russia could raise suspicions.'. Youve seen the new Facebook craze on your timeline, where people are swapping their profile picture with a new cartoon-like avatar? They said images are sent to Amazon servers to apply the effects, are not visible to anybody and are deleted after two weeks. If youve downloaded the new app fad going around making your pictures into characters DELETE IT!" Our Android team - mostly Ukrainian, Sazhins post said. The privacy policy lists what their apps can access. Dare to be different, with a profile pic that reflects your current mood or state of mind. Last 180 Days. In sum, the claim that this app is unusually invasive is untrue. Moore told VERIFY: People have formed trust over many years with the likes of Facebook and Instagram but when a new app goes viral, it is advised to minimize the amount of data shared where possible and reduce the number of permissions granted. NewProfilePic was created by a mobile development group called Informe Laboratories Inc., and copyrighted by Linerock Investments Ltd., said Kristina Lunina, a Linerock Investments spokesperson. It adds: "We collect your name, email address, user name, social network information and other information you provide when you register.". Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Medic bags distributed to West Virginias EMS workforce, Millions of dollars and hundreds of orange barrels, Best Virginias Flowers to play at Wheelings first, Ohio Valley man part of rare disease clinical trial, Mayor Elliott says business will be booming when, No umps when Orioles and Pirates play unneeded bottom, Wheeling Central Headed To The State Tournament, Aiden Davis Sets Records As Park Advances. The company behind the app denies any wrongdoing. This case was filed in U.S. District Courts, Illinois Northern District Court. For other inquiries, Contact Us. An Instagram post dated Feb. 20 from NewProfilePic founder Victor Sazhin said he was born in Russia. Users have been updating their profile pictures with a new image created by the app - unaware their information is being sent to a company registered in Russia. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Lunina explained that all user photos are hosted and processed on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure servers, which are in the United States. District of Columbia According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock Investments Ltd is based in Moscow. Developers Origins. "GUYS! Meanwhile, the Cyber Helpline, which offers advice to online victims, gives the overall trust score for this app is just 14%. | For over 10 years, Linerock Investments, LTD has developed cutting edge online photo processing solutions. We have never had an office there. It is true that the domain was registered to the Moscow address. Google Play, NewProfilePic: Profile Picture, accessed May 12, 2022, App Store, NewProfilePic Picture Editor, accessed May 12, 2022, Pho.to, Privacy Policy, accessed May 12, 2022, NewProfilePic home page, accessed May 12, 2022, Google Play, Instagram, accessed May 13, 2022, Google Play, TikTok, accessed May 13, 2022, Snopes, Is New Profile Pic App a Russian Malware Scam? Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, Harry and Meghan evicted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles after Spare memoir, Amy Nuttall caught cheating hubby when he bought sexy lingerie, Constance Marten and lover arrested over manslaughter, Woman found murdered is missing mum who had not been seen since before Xmas, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. He MUST seize it, starting with the Budget, writes ANDREW NEIL. "The top management of the company and the managers of the majority of the projects, including myself, are based out of these countries. She and others have seen the pictures filling up their Facebook feeds. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When we asked the Linerock about this assertion raised by The Daily Mail, the spokesperson told us that the media outlet was referring to an address of lawyers who had registered the company in Moscow, not of the company itself. Users on Twitter are also sharing experts' fears of a Russian-based cyberattack or scam, with one person calling the New Profile Pic app a "phishing scam". 'Although most people will not question the possibilities of anything untoward occurring from simply uploading a photo, the amount of data taken under the radar can often be far more than the user intended on sharing which can cause security and privacy problems. On both Google's and Apple's app store, the developer's location is listed as being Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Here are guides from Apple and Android on how to control privacy settings on your device. Joan Rivers was killed for revealing that Barack Obama is gay and Michelle Obama is transgender. Very literally my fatherland is Russia and my motherland is Ukraine.. AppGrooves offers you "Best 10 Apps" for over 600 micro categories. He updated it yesterday after seeing its part in the Daily Mail post, she said in the email. "Although most people will not question the possibilities of anything untoward occurring from simply uploading a photo, the amount of data taken under the radar can often be far more than the user intended on sharing which can cause security and privacy problems. If you are going to download these types of apps to have fun on social media platforms whether its Facebook or othersmaybe not use your true cell phone, he said. The Transportation Security Administration spent a couple hundred million dollars on gender-neutral screening technology. But security expert Mr Moore warned: "Before people upload photos or other personal data to a brand new website, they must carry out their own due diligence where possible. 1. EXCLUSIVE 'I hope he has a hard time in a men's prison': Estranged wife of trans double rapist Isla Bryson Front row fabulous! Although there currently is no evidence to indicate that New Profile Pic is a scam, you should always do your due diligence with new apps. You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to turn your profile picture into artwork, but it is raising concern among cybersecurity experts over its Russian links. TikToks privacy policy also says certain data is collected when registering to use the platform. May 11, 2022, Victor Sazhin, Instagram post, Feb. 20, 2022, Kristina Lunina, spokesperson for Linerock Investments Ltd., May 12, 2022. Its requested app permissions are similar to other mainstream apps. Linerocks headquarters are based in the British Virgin Islands, and they have development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Tens of thousands of people have already uploaded their photographs to the servers of the New Profile Pic app. The app developers explain: "Whenever you choose an effect that involves face manipulations we use special face recognition technologies to detect a photo; find required facial key points, and apply the effect to your photo.". WebOverview. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. MailOnline says the company behind the app, Linerock Investments, is based next to Russia's Ministry of Defence, three miles outside Red Square. "It is true that the domain was registered to the Moscow address. This material may not be reproduced without permission. It's also important to read a service's privacy policy before downloading as you may be unknowingly agreeing to share personal information. Learn More . Furthermore, you want to keep your device secure with a strong password, biometric features or two-factor authentication. Creators of photo editing apps. The outlet reports that the company behind the app is called Linerock Investments Ltd, which according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, is registered in Moscow. While there is no evidence of anything malicious, Ritter offered advice for anyone downloading the app. A shareholder is located in Panama City, while a director is located in Russia. 1800 I Street NW A spokesperson for the App told MailOnline: "We are a BVI company with development offices in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus," and said they do not share any user information in a way that is not listed in their privacy policy. Everything seems to be controlled by Andersen Business Services which is still registered in Russia, Ritter said. Experts warn internet users not to download latest online craze New Profile Pic that hoovers up your details.. On the day of the Dec. 6 runoff, armed groups of Black Panthers were reportedly patrolling certain voting locations in Georgia. The fact-checker also claims the money taken out of peoples bank accounts has been unconfirmed. After, The Daily Mail and others reported the app was created in Russia. Impress your friends on social media and keep them interested in what's coming next! Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, shared a screenshot of the requested app permissions. Case Details Parties Documents Dockets. Nothing gets sent to Russia. 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