From the privacy policy: For example, we collect your name, email address, user name, social network information and other information you provide when you register, set up an account, contact us by e-mail or use our services.. Facebooks privacy policy is similar. They said: We are a BVI company with development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. READ MORE:If it came to it Moscow couldn't stop NATO nukes and Putin knows it, "We understand that due to the current events in Ukraine, any connection to Russia could raise suspicions.". That said, New Profile Pic's permissions aren't abnormal. The fact-checker also claims the money taken out of peoples bank accounts has been unconfirmed. Our Apps are server-based and user images are uploaded to Amazon AWS [and] Microsoft Azure servers located in the US. While this app does collect some user data, its privacy policy isn't out of the ordinary. According to Snopes data gathering, the website was actually showing its registration in Florida. The company behind the App is called Linerock Investments Ltd, who according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks When claims started circulating that the New Profile Pic app was some sort of scam, many people shared screenshots of the app's privacy policy. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. It is true that the domain was registered to the Moscow address. | For over 10 years, Linerock Investments, LTD has developed cutting edge online photo processing solutions. Its flagship app, Photo Lab, has been downloaded over 200 million The New Profile Pic app allows users to upload photos and edit them to look like paintings or cartoons. Both of those apps have been around for years, and we are unaware of any reports that they have been used to steal money from people's bank accounts, or to give users' data to the Kremlin. 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. You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. It asks for access to the users camera, photos and media. The Daily Mail reported that this app was developed by a 1. We did not and do not plan to have any affiliation with any governmental organisations of any country.. Rifles were involved in 297 deaths in the U.S. in 2022 and constipation killed 2,167., Drinking or using tap water treated with chlorine is dangerous because chlorine is a poison., Joe Biden described America as the foothills of the Himalayas with Xi Jinping., Kid Rock tweeted, Some people wouldnt recognize tyranny if it slapped a mask on their face, made them stand 6 feet apart, and forced them to take a vaccine for a virus with a 99.8% survival rate., The train that derailed in Ohio was carrying over 300,000 gallons of a chemical that was banned in 1974.. 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. The spokesperson said: The address on Moscow River is the address of lawyers who registered the company. Internet users have been warned against using a free new photo avatar creator, The website for for the company is registered in Moscow, Russia, according to the who.is database, The firm offers high quality digital avatars if people are willing to upload a photograph to their computer servers, The developers use special recognition technology to pinpoint required facial key points to apply the effect to the photograph. 'The address on Moscow River is the address of lawyers who registered the company. The app uses facial recognition technology to find key points on an image of your face uploaded to the servers and then renders a new version. Linerock Investments, LTD is a private company. Access to the services. On the Apple App Store, the app was rated #1 on the photo and video chart, with a 4.9 out of 5-star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. However, a check of Sunbiz found no company named Linerock Investments Ltd operating or doing business in Florida. The company behind the App is called Linerock Investments Ltd, who according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, is registered in Moscow. 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!!!!!!!". For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Internet users are being warned about the New Profile Pic app as it may be stealing their personal info, one expert has claimed, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). NewProfilePics data privacy policy isnt particularly unique. Several VERIFY viewers reached out to ask if the app is safe to use and what connections it has to Russia. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Users can bypass that and head to the apps home screen, which includes a "choose photo" button. The He told MailOnline: "This app is likely a way of capturing people's 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.". 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.". This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The new fad is getting a lot of attention but the new app reportedly is sending your information to Russia. ', 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'. 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. And the Russian address in domain details was his former Russian address where he hasn't lived for a long time now. So, are hackers from halfway around the world really stealing your data and your face with this app? 2. Or is this just a bunch of hype? MailOnline approached Apple, Google and Linerock Investments Ltd for a comment. Wealthy aristocratic lifestyle of the ex Tatler It-girl who grew up on her family's sprawling Dorset estate: 'Digital antidepressants' to be rolled out on the NHS as health bosses give eight apps and web-based therapy Their 53 days on the run: The trail for Constance Marten and Mark Gordon had gone cold it was only by School's out AGAIN: Tens of thousands of teachers across the Midlands and eastern England are set to strike Are YOU at risk of being cancelled? According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock Investments Ltd is based in Moscow. Nevertheless, your photos (or any other data) are NOT sent to Moscow. Snopes reported that the companys domain was formerly registered in Moscow, but now, its registered in Florida. Official govt docs expose Michelle Obamas 14 year history as a man., "Woody Harrelsons 60 seconds in the middle of his monologue was cut out of the edits released after the show., BREAKING Trump preps Marines to stop presidential coup.. Now you know it, update and enjoy. 'The NewProfilePic app lets you change your user image style as often as you want. Linerock Investments, LTD et al Plaintiff: Rakiem Williams, Tony Brown, Meagan Lehnert and Christina Glenn: Defendant: Linerock Investments, LTD and Vicman LLC: Case Number: 1:2022cv02531: Filed: May 12, 2022: Court: US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: Presiding Judge: Robert M Dow: Nature of Suit: 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. Everything seems to be controlled by Andersen Business Services which is still registered in Russia, Ritter said. 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. But the Mail says the company behind the app, Linerock Investments, is based next to Russia's Ministry of Defence, three miles outside Red Square. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Warnings issued over New Profile Pic app that may send your personal information to Russia, Hurricane Ian insurance checks are coming with a scary warning, New device allows dogs with separation anxiety to video call their owners, City leaders discuss plans with property owners to revitalize Midtown Fort Myers, Car noise pollution regulations may be coming to Collier County, Boat dumped on side of road in Lehigh Acres, Island Coast baseball prepares for new season after making history, winning state title, Cape Coral mother warns others after daughters accidental fentanyl overdose. To connect with Linerock Investments, LTD employee register on SignalHire. ToonMe and PhotoLab, two of the developer's other apps, have more than 150 million installs on Google Play. There are concerns over a new app that is turning new profile pics into works of art. WebLinerock Investments Ltd. Get a D&B Hoovers Free Trial Overview Company Description: ? In early May, NewProfilePic, an application that uses artificial intelligence technologies to stylize your social media profile picture, shot to the top of the charts on Google Play and the Apple App Store. 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. "In this ever changing world, why stick to one profile pic on your social media? Updated [May 13, 2022]: Updated to note that the app has since added in-app purchases. Published: 11:32 GMT, 11 May 2022 | Updated: 18:02 GMT, 12 May 2022. Tens of thousands of people have already uploaded their photographs to the servers of the New Profile Pic app. Me and my work bestie were just playing with this app, Josten pointed out. Sazhin wrote in an Instagram post of his own Russian and Ukrainian heritage, noting that the companys team consists ofpeople from both countries. Russia Recent changes: We want Photo Lab to be your little secret tool for great photos, that's why we keep improving it 24/7. They said images are sent to Amazon servers to apply the effects, are not visible to anybody and are deleted after two weeks. The app has more than 150 million users, according to the Google and Apple app stores. WebLinerock Investments, LTD | 139 followers on LinkedIn. The app, NewProfilePic is run by the company, Linerock Investments Ltd which is registered in Moscow, Russia. Did the user provide credit card information to the app? Ms Polezhaeva told MailOnline: "We are a BVI company with development and customer support offices in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Social media posts claim the NewProfilePic app accesses peoples banking information and contact lists and sends them to Russia. The website of the app, newprofilepic.com is in Moscow. "We collect your name, email address, user name, social network information and other information you provide when you register.". A person can also change the settings on their Android or Apple phones and choose what the app is or isnt allowed to track. ", 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.. Some social media users claimed the app was stealing data in a criminal fashion. Linerocks headquarters are based in the British Virgin Islands, and they have development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Polezhaeva told VERIFY Linerock Investment LTD was founded in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Its flagship app, Photo Lab, has been downloaded over 200 million times to date, And it should be again. Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor, ESET Internet Security told MailOnline : "This app is likely a way of capturing people's 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.". The app is proving incredibly popular online, offering the chance to turn a photograph of users into attractive, highly-stylised cartoon-style images. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. All of a sudden when the company is based in Moscow, its oh my God it is Moscow and the company is collecting my data. Inside the forest palace 'Putin shares with his gymnast lover and their secret children': Luxury estate Vanessa Bryant settles with LA County for $28,850,000 over misuse of photos from helicopter crash that What does the 1st March say for MY star sign? The app, NewProfilePic is run by the company, Linerock Investments Ltd which is registered in Moscow, Russia. Youve probably seen it sweeping across your social media feeds. (Was this charge for a subscription? Each email has a link to unsubscribe. You can also follow us on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. All our apps are server-based and user images are uploaded to Amazon AWS / Microsoft Azure servers located in the US. Polezhaeva confirmed the domains registered address was changed at some point on May 11. 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. This material may not be reproduced without permission. One of its shareholders is based in Panama City, while a director is also based in Russia. According to the new app's promotional material: 'The world around us is fast-paced and always evolving. "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. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 801 3rd St. S A shareholder is located in Panama City, while a director is located in Russia. Heres how it works: Once users downloadand openthe app, itasks whetherthey'd like to try a three-day trial for its pro version, which costs $29.99. The best seat in the house! Case Summary. He does not live in the Russian Federation at the moment. stated on February 19, 2023 in an Instagram post. It has a shareholder based in Panama City, while a director is based in Russia. 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. We need your help. Washington, DC However, he has since moved, and the apps domain address has changed. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. No, Im not concerned, she stated. WebLinerock Investments LTD. Worldwide Totals (17 apps) Period: Last 30 Days. This is one example: We have not been able to confirm or disprove that this actually happened. We collect your name, email address, user name, social network information and other information you provide when you register.. Overall, we estimate that Linerock Investments LTDs apps have collected about 300 million installs, 6 million of them in the last 30 days. So currently the charges are not triggered by our apps, but by the competitors. A cyber security expert has urged caution over giving the app access to your images and data, Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Another rumor accused the app of being malware and taking money out of people's accounts. There are legitimate uses for offshore companies and trusts. The app then asks for permission to access photos and media on the device. 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. '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. 1800 I Street NW Oscar Cainer reveals all. "He does not live in the Russian Federation now," she wrote in an email to PolitiFact. Video shows President Joe Biden recalling an alien encounter. MailOnline has approached Apple and Google for a comment. The spokesperson said the app stores are crowded with similarly named apps, some of which feature subscriptions or in-app purchases. The only purpose of this is to speed up any further processings of the same photo., Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor, ESET Internet Security told MailOnline: "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.". 3. It's possible, the spokesperson suggested, that users may have accidentally used one of these look-a-like apps, and that that service might have charged them. While this app requests permission to access certain data on your phone, these requests aren't unusual. AppGrooves offers you "Best 10 Apps" for over 600 micro categories. Our app is being developed by an international team with development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. According to a spokesperson for the app, its safe for people to use, they told Snopes. Snopes says the app, though, was developed by a company in the British Islands and some of their international developers live in Russia. But according to a rising number of claims, the NewProfilePic app is bad news. The privacy policy lists what their apps can access. Its from a Russian based company and there are already reports of them wiping out bank accounts.". A spokesman for the app told the publication that it is based in the British Virgin Islands with some development offices in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, and that it "Dare to be different, with a profile pic that reflects your current mood or state of mind. 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. Here is what we found out. 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