Wednesday, 10 September 2025
27.2 C
Singapore
27.1 C
Thailand
20.9 C
Indonesia
27 C
Philippines

The company responds to privacy concerns over FaceApp

FaceApp, a Russia-based mobile app that applies filters to photos, is going on a viral trend this week. It is a photo-morphing app that uses artificial intelligence and neural face transformations to make alterations to faces on photos. The app was first introduced back in 2017, which went viral then, is catching on again due […]

FaceApp, a Russia-based mobile app that applies filters to photos, is going on a viral trend this week. It is a photo-morphing app that uses artificial intelligence and neural face transformations to make alterations to faces on photos. The app was first introduced back in 2017, which went viral then, is catching on again due to a filter that can make users look older or younger. At the same time, users have been giving FaceApp the rights to use their pictures and names, and many are now surprised to learn that the app’s creators are harvesting metadata from their photos.

Concerns have been placed around a questionable clause in the app, which can access, store, and use images from your camera roll, without any given permission.

FaceApp is currently one of the top downloaded apps on both iOS and Android, as #faceappchallenge posts have taken over social media by storm.

View this post on Instagram

July 17, 2065

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith) on

View this post on Instagram

Best caption wins ovo tickets

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on

View this post on Instagram

Me doing a demo on #MasterChef Season 50….

A post shared by Gordon Ramsay (@gordongram) on

However, with the surge in popularity, some experts have raised questions about how secure the user data is and what the app does with user’s photos.

A deep dive into the terms and conditions of the app explains that the user gives FaceApp access to use, modify, adapt and publish any images that they offer up in exchange for the use of its AI.

Theoretically, FaceApp could process these photos on the device itself, but Yaroslav Goncharov, the ex-Yandex exec and CEO of the Russian company that developed the app, previously told The Verge that photos are uploaded and stored on the company’s servers to save bandwidth if several filters are applied, and will be deleted not long after.

In an official statement to TechCrunch, FaceApp said it would accept requests from users to remove their data from its servers.

Hot this week

GovWare 2025 returns to mark 10 years with Singapore International Cyber Week

GovWare 2025 marks 10 years with Singapore International Cyber Week, focusing on AI-driven threats and global cybersecurity cooperation.

Airwallex acquires OpenPay to expand billing and subscription capabilities

Airwallex acquires OpenPay to add billing and subscription management tools, aiming to create the first truly global billing platform.

Kahoot!: Enabling the future of learning across APAC through AI, localisation and cross-sector engagement

Kahoot! expands in APAC with AI-powered tools, localised content, and a cross-sector strategy to meet the region’s evolving learning needs.

MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete review: A robot vacuum that edges past the competition

The MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete combines scrubbing mop power, strong suction, and pet-friendly AI for Singapore homes. With StepMaster threshold climbing and a self-cleaning dock, it delivers one of the most complete cleaning solutions today.

Samsung’s newest SmartThings hub drops Z-Wave support

Samsung and Aeotec’s Smart Home Hub 2 drops Z-Wave support, focusing on Matter, Thread, and improved local automation.

Firefox introduces shake to summarise feature on iPhones

Firefox launches a new “shake to summarise” feature on iPhones, offering AI-powered webpage summaries starting in the US.

Google pauses Pixel 10 Daily Hub to improve performance

Google has paused the Pixel 10’s Daily Hub feature to improve performance, promising a refined version will return in the future.

Garmin launches fēnix 8 MicroLED smartwatch with record-breaking brightness

Garmin unveils the fēnix 8 MicroLED, the world’s brightest smartwatch with advanced health, navigation, and performance features.

OpenAI set to develop its own AI chips in 2025

OpenAI is reportedly set to develop its own AI chips with Broadcom in 2025, aiming to reduce reliance on NVIDIA and expand capacity.

Related Articles

Popular Categories