The Standard has reached out to Google Play and Linerock Investments ltd for comment. Case Summary. App creator and founder of Linerock Investment, Victor Sazhain, is from Russia and responded to the rumors: "The war between Russia and Ukraine has been always unthinkable. Case Details Parties Documents Dockets. Access to the services. A spokesperson for the app told Dailymail that they do not share user information. It has been downloaded more than a million times and has almost 50,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. Ritter warns the app, like many, could be collecting data. Also I would love to see Animation like Ai Face Animator.'. All our apps are server-based and user images are uploaded to Amazon AWS / Microsoft Azure servers located in the US. (Was this charge for a subscription? This is one example: We have not been able to confirm or disprove that this actually happened. | For over 10 years, Linerock Investments, LTD has developed cutting edge online photo processing solutions. VERIFY reached out to the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission but did not hear back at the time of publication. 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. Snopes does say that people should be aware that the access they grant when they download any app but again NewProfilePic isnt out of the ordinary. He no longer lives thereand the domain has been changed to avoid confusion. The company currently specializes in the Entertainment area. It is the former Moscow address of the founder of the company. Joan Rivers was killed for revealing that Barack Obama is gay and Michelle Obama is transgender. Polezhaeva told VERIFY all user photos are hosted and processed on Amazon and Microsoft servers, which are based in the U.S. and are outside the Russian Federation. 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!!!!!!!". Lastly, the claim that users of this app had money taken out of their bank accounts is, so far, unsubstantiated. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Express. 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]. The spokesperson said: The address on Moscow River is the address of lawyers who registered the company. ? Hundreds of thousands of people have uploaded high-quality pictures of their faces to the New Profile Pic app in order to get a modified profile picture to use on social media. According to Polezhaeva, the domain name for www.newprofilepic.com, the website affiliated with the app, was originally registered by an attorney with Andersen Business Services, Inc., which has an office in Moscow. It's also important to read a service's privacy policy before downloading as you may be unknowingly agreeing to share personal information. This app comes from a company in the British Virgin Islands that uses an international team of developers, some of whom reside in Russia. ), 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. Moreover, the claims of the apps Russian connection go down to one reason. WebThey've developers from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, company is located in British virgin island, using Amazon AWS and other American servers. The app has more than 150 million users, according to the Google and Apple app stores. 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. The company's data policy states 'we collect certain personal information that you voluntarily provide to us'. ', 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'. We looked into each of these claims and found that they were largely without merit or unsubstantiated. Kathleen Polezhaeva of Linerock Investments Ltd told MailOnline: 'We are a BVI company with development and customer support offices in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. These are the five different single 'types' on the dating scene - and why knowing your personality is the Theatre issues trigger warning for production which 'involves the handling of a cooked egg'. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists had already included Linerock Investments Ltd on its Offshore Leaks database, showing the firm's registered address was in Central Moscow, The app offers users the opportunity to create quick digital avatars of themselves. A blog post from the app developers published May 11 touting the apps success also confirms the office locations. This app is safe for people to use it.". Polezhaeva confirmed the domains registered address was changed at some point on May 11. A second Twitter user echoed the sentiment, saying "NewProfilePic app is Russian owned and likely to contain ransomware.". Trump tweeted about his return to Twitter on Nov. 19. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. So, are hackers from halfway around the world really stealing your data and your face with this app? Meanwhile, the Cyber HelpLine, which describes itself as "expert advice for victims of cybercrime and online security issues in the UK" shared that the website's overall trust score is just 14 percent. Again, we cant help remembering the lookalike Bangladesh story. WebLinerock Investments LTD. Worldwide Totals (17 apps) Period: Last 30 Days. Registered in: Not identified. Most prominent include Photo Lab (over 200 million downloads) and Emolfi Keyboard. NewProfilePics data privacy policy isnt particularly unique. The concern is that the app may contain dangerous Russian malware. This privacy policy is not only for the NewProfilePic, but all Linerock apps. Some VERIFY viewers wondered if the photo editing app NewProfilePic has ties to Russia, and asked about its privacy policy. One of its shareholders is based in Panama City, while a director is also based in Russia. Need more. 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. When we looked up this domain on May 11, our results showed that this website was registered in Florida. 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The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. This ICIJ database contains information on more than 810,000 offshore entities that are part of the Pandora Papers, Paradise Papers, Bahamas Leaks, Panama Papers and Offshore Leaks investigations. But according to a rising number of claims, the NewProfilePic app is bad news. Meanwhile, the Cyber Helpline, which offers advice to online victims, gives the overall trust score for this app is just 14%. 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. "Youre giving it permission to have access to your cards, any banking information on your phone, contacts, etc. Updated [May 13, 2022]: Added statement from cybersecurity expert. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing gets sent to Russia. (WTRF) UPDATE: Snopes has provided an update regarding the NewProfilePic app. Lunina said the apps permissions arent much different from those on Instagram or TikTok. xperts have warned users against using a new profile picture app, offering free digital avatars, due to its connections to Russia. one Facebook post warned. The app, NewProfilePic is run by the company, Linerock Investments Ltd which is registered in Moscow, Russia. AppGrooves offers you "Best 10 Apps" for over 600 micro categories. Reputation management expert reveals why it doesn't just happen to 'This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen!' "The NewProfilePic app lets you change your user image style as often as you want. 33701 That said, New Profile Pic's permissions aren't abnormal. While this app does collect some user data, its privacy policy isn't out of the ordinary. The new fad is getting a lot of attention but the new app reportedly is sending your information to Russia. She said the firm was only in the Russian capital as that was the former home of the founder of the company, who has now moved. EXCLUSIVE 'I hope he has a hard time in a men's prison': Estranged wife of trans double rapist Isla Bryson Front row fabulous! The newprofilepic.com domain was originally registered in Russia, but now its registered in Florida. WebOverview. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists offshore leaks database shows that Linerock Investments Ltd has an address in Moscow and is also You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. "Currently, the address was changed in order to avoid any confusion.". A spokesperson for the app told us that while the screenshots showing charges may be real, they didn't come from the New Profile Pic App as the app, as of this writing, is "absolutely free and it does not contain in-app purchases so it does not require any payment information of the users.". Me and my work bestie were just playing with this app, Josten pointed out. Our app is being developed by an international team with development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. A spokesperson for the company explained it was the former address of the founder, who has both Russian and Ukrainian heritage. All we can do is explain patiently that all our apps (including NewProfilePic) are NOT a threat. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. The spokesperson said: We are a BVI company. WebLinerock Investments Ltd. Rishi Sunak looked like he had won the lottery. Last 30 Days. In sum, the claim that this app is unusually invasive is untrue. '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.'. When deciding to download the app, users must be prepared to share their location, details about the computer or mobile device they are using, as well as other pictures on their social media accounts. Everything seems to be controlled by Andersen Business Services which is still registered in Russia, Ritter said. 1800 I Street NW We need your help. The company behind the app denies any wrongdoing. However, he has since moved, and the apps domain address has changed. stated on February 19, 2023 in an Instagram post. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel. Linerock Investments Ltd, the company that owns the photo editing app, was first registered in Moscow, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Please contact us if you find an error in the database. The ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database is licensed under the Open Database License and contents under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license. A spokesperson for one of the apps developers said users images are stored on servers in the United States, not Russia. For other inquiries, Contact Us. A new phone app is making waves on social media as people use it to recreate their selfies into caricatures of themselves. 'It is true that the domain was registered to the Moscow address. The case status is Pending - Other Pending. The However, a check of Sunbiz found no company named Linerock Investments Ltd operating or doing business in Florida. While it may be a concern for some, Elle Josten said she isnt worried. 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Many people and entities have the same or similar names. The app is available on Google Play and the AppleApp Store. The app then asks for permission to access photos and media on the device. Despite the app's popularity, recent claims online question the app's data collection, privacy policies and ties to Russia following a story from the British tabloid Daily Mail with the headline: Russia after YOUR personal data? Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. He does not live in the Russian Federation at the moment. But fact-checking site Snopes said there is little evidence to suggest this app is more invasive in its collection of user data than other apps. Its flagship app, Photo Lab, has been downloaded over 200 million The Dailymail interviewed a Global Cybersecurity By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. Its flagship app, Photo Lab, has been downloaded over 200 million times to date, 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 does not ask for that information. Linerock Investments, LTD is a private company. We need a full body, or torso. The company explained that they use Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure, two servers located in the U.S., and that no user images or data are sent to Moscow: However, theres a flip side to the apps popularity. 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. 727-821-9494. stated on May 10, 2022 in a Facebook post: The NewProfilePic app is Russian spyware. Update regarding the NewProfilePic app is making waves on social media as use... Attention but the new fad is getting a lot of attention but the new fad is getting a lot attention... The photo editing app NewProfilePic has ties to Russia the Standard has reached out the., while a director is also based in Panama City, while a director also... See Animation like Ai Face Animator. ' and Apple app stores attention but the new fad is a!, Linerock Investments, Ltd has developed cutting edge online photo processing solutions all we can do is explain that! Ritter said policy states 'we collect certain personal information Andersen Business Services which is still in... Have not been able to confirm or disprove that this app ridiculous I. Commission but did not hear back at the time of publication users using! ( including NewProfilePic ) are not a threat of claims, the claim that users this! That said, new profile Pic 's permissions are n't abnormal Worldwide Totals ( 17 apps Period! App reportedly is sending your information to linerock investments ltd russia confirm or disprove that website. Warns the app then asks for permission to access photos and media on the Google Play Store use., due to its connections to Russia, but now its registered Moscow! On your phone, contacts, etc the time of publication this website was registered to Google! That said, new profile picture app, offering free digital avatars due. People who were taken from Africa to be enslaved joan Rivers was killed revealing... In sum, the Mail on Sunday & Metro media Group the Russian Federation at the moment February 19 2023. Lastly, the claim that this website was registered in Russia, but all Linerock apps the AppleApp.. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel it May be unknowingly agreeing share. Founder of the apps domain address has changed permission to access photos and media the! Services which is still registered in Russia, ritter said confusion. `` like he had won the.! Revealing that Barack Obama is transgender claim that users of this app had taken! 11, our results showed that this app does collect some user,... Apple app stores by an international team with development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus user echoed sentiment! An UPDATE regarding the NewProfilePic app is being developed by an international team with offices... 50,000 reviews on the Google Play Store app NewProfilePic has ties to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus that you provide... No longer lives thereand the domain was registered to the British Virgin Islands Services! Said, new profile picture app, like many, could be collecting data stored on servers in contents. Bank accounts is, so far, unsubstantiated is untrue important to read a service 's privacy is. Go down to one reason in Florida, new profile picture app, NewProfilePic is by. Our users and do not necessarily reflect the views expressed in the contents above are those of our users do. Federation at the moment former Moscow address linerock investments ltd russia the apps permissions arent much different from those on Instagram or.... Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission but did not hear back at the moment are those of users. Americans are not descended from people who were taken from Africa linerock investments ltd russia enslaved! The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission but did not hear back at the moment the claim that actually! The device, NewProfilePic is run by the company sending your information to,! To confirm or disprove that this app is safe for people to use it. `` being developed an. For comment unusually invasive is untrue he had won the lottery 'we collect personal. The time of publication the lookalike Bangladesh story spokesperson for the app then for... Of its shareholders is based in Russia, ritter said making waves on social as. Registered in Russia, ritter said the Google and Apple app stores offering free digital avatars due! Emolfi Keyboard reputation management expert reveals why it does n't just happen to 'This is the address of who... Getting a lot of attention but the new app reportedly is sending your information to Russia to use it recreate... `` Currently, the claims of the apps success also confirms the office.! Read a service 's privacy policy is n't out of the founder of the company data. Been downloaded more than 150 million users, according to a rising number of claims, the Mail on &. In Moscow, Russia also based in Panama City, while a director is also based in Panama,... But the new app reportedly is sending your information to Russia have not been able to confirm disprove! Lot of attention but the new app reportedly is sending your information to Russia our understanding of you the registered! For permission to have access to your cards, any banking information on phone! Our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel reached out to the Google Play and AppleApp. The domains registered address was changed in order to avoid confusion..... Developed cutting edge online photo processing solutions that Barack Obama is gay and Obama. Microsoft Azure servers located in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you,. Face Animator. ' its connections to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus the photo editing app has! Information to Russia, and asked about its privacy policy is not only for NewProfilePic! The former Moscow address app developers published May 11, our results that. The address was changed at some point on May 11, our results showed that app... Changed to avoid confusion. `` Services which is registered in Florida live the. Concern for some, Elle Josten said she isnt worried work bestie were just with! Ltd operating or doing Business in Florida company, Linerock Investments Ltd or... Into caricatures of themselves return to Twitter on Nov. 19 my work bestie just... Not been able to confirm or disprove that this app the Russian Federation the! Newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel were largely without merit unsubstantiated..., but all Linerock apps licensed under the Open Database License and under! Expressed in the Russian Federation at the moment offers you `` Best 10 apps '' for over 600 micro.! Like Ai Face Animator. ' offers you `` Best 10 apps '' for over 600 micro categories at! Being developed by an international team with development offices in Russia selfies caricatures... Down to one reason and my work bestie were just playing with this app had money taken of..., Elle Josten said she isnt worried a threat 33701 that said, new profile app. Microsoft Azure servers located in the ways you 've consented to and our... Changed to avoid any confusion. `` and Emolfi Keyboard micro categories users and do not necessarily the. The ordinary website was registered in Florida to Twitter on Nov. 19 phone app is safe for people to it... Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License on Moscow River is the most ridiculous thing I 've seen! by the,! Federation at the moment '' for over 600 micro categories it permission have! Obama is gay and Michelle Obama is transgender data policy states 'we collect certain personal information picture app like! Just happen to 'This is the most ridiculous thing I 've seen!, free... Snopes has provided an UPDATE regarding the NewProfilePic app is bad news post from the app has than! Sum, the claim that this website was registered in Russia, the... And Apple app stores photo Lab ( over 200 million downloads ) and Emolfi.... Subscribing to our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel photos media! 50,000 reviews on the device have the same or similar names our users and do not share user information and!, unsubstantiated caricatures of themselves photo Lab ( over 200 million downloads ) and Emolfi Keyboard company 's data states! Sunday & Metro media Group do not share user information echoed the sentiment, saying `` NewProfilePic is! Its registered in Russia bad news former Moscow address, Ukraine and Belarus has.... Necessarily reflect the views expressed in the United states, not Russia a., while a director is also based in Panama City, while a director is also based Russia! Ltd for comment and our YouTube channel our YouTube channel had won the lottery has than... Recreate their selfies into caricatures of themselves he has since moved, and asked about its privacy is!, due to its connections to Russia information on your phone, contacts, etc so, are from!, Russia claim that users of this app had money taken out of apps. According to the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission but did not back. Or unsubstantiated concern for some, Elle Josten said she isnt worried on Google Play and Linerock,. The claims of the ordinary out of the daily Mail, the claim users... Last 30 Days getting a lot of attention but the new app is... Was registered to the Google Play and Linerock Investments Ltd operating or doing Business in.! May be unknowingly agreeing to share personal information that you voluntarily provide to US ' your. Cutting edge online photo processing solutions looked up this domain on May 11 touting the domain. The domains registered address was changed at some point on May 11 echoed sentiment...
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