Google has deleted the chat app ToTok, which is allegedly an espionage instrument for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from the Play Store for a second time. The app was previously taken down from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store in December 2019.
Google quietly replaced the app in January. The app seems to have remained unavailable on the App Store.
When reached for remark, Google confirmed that it took down the app, but didn’t present any explanation as to why. It took down ToTok the first time for breaching unspecified policies.
ToTok is a messaging application that promised “fast, free, and secure” messages and calls and was downloaded by millions in the UAE and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Shortly before its deletion from the Play Store and App Store in December 2019, the app was one of the most-downloaded social apps in the US. However, the investigation noted that the app allowed the UAE government to spy on users.
ToTok denied the vicious lies in a statement revealed in December, saying that not only do they respect privacy and ensure safety, their users even have the complete hold over what data they wish to share at their own discretion.
