Fake ‘TikTok Pro’ Links Targeting WhatsApp Users With Malware: Report

Jul. 9, 2020

The Maharashtra Cyber Police has warned that criminals are sending fake ‘TikTok Pro’ links via WhatsApp to steal user-data. Cyber-criminals are reportedly creating fake Tiktok Pro links that point users at malware-laden content. The malicious links are apparently meant to trap people who want to download the video-sharing application. The real app, however, isnow banned in the countryalong with several other Chinese apps. The cyber-police urged citizens not to click on any such links received through texts or instant messaging apps.

The development comes in the wake of the recent ban imposed on TikTok by the Indian government. In fact, in light of the escalating tensions between China and the US, even theUS govt is reportedly contemplating a banon the popular video-sharing platform. However, whether that eventually happens or not remains to be seen.

Owned by China-based tech company, ByteDance, TikTok has been trying desperately hard to distance itself from China. The company is reportedly consideringshifting its global headquarters outside Chinato address concerns expressed by some US lawmakers and security agencies. The company alsopulled out of Hong Kongthis week after Beijing implemented a controversial new ‘security law’.

Following its ban in India last week, the company’s CEO, Kevin Mayer, also claimed that the company hasnever handed over dataof Indian users to the Chinese government. He further claimed that the company wouldn’t comply with such an order even if Beijing asked for it. The company also promised to set up a data center in India to comply with the country’s data-privacy laws.

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