1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 801 3rd St. S Photo of electric charging station powered by diesel generator is emblematic of the electric vehicle movement. A person can also change the settings on their Android or Apple phones and choose what the app is or isnt allowed to track. 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. 'The top management of the company and the managers of the majority of the projects, including myself, are based out of these countries. (WTRF) UPDATE: Snopes has provided an update regarding the NewProfilePic app. It has been downloaded more than a million times and has almost 50,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. ToonMe and PhotoLab, two of the developer's other apps, have more than 150 million installs on Google Play. However, the spokesperson said that that person had relocated, and so the company changed the address of the domain registration "to avoid any confusion.". A blog post from the app developers published May 11 touting the apps success also confirms the office locations. On 05/12/2022 Williams filed a Personal Injury - Other Personal Injury lawsuit against Linerock Investments, LTD. He updated it yesterday after seeing its part in the Daily Mail post, she said in the email. I personally was born in USSR in Moscow and moved to Krivyi Rih [Ukraine] being two months old. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. The app can "Youre giving it permission to have access to your cards, any banking information on your phone, contacts, etc. The app, NewProfilePic is run by the company, Linerock Investments Ltd which is registered in Moscow, Russia. 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. People should certainly be aware that they are granting this amount of access to companies when they download their apps. While this app requests permission to access certain data on your phone, these requests aren't unusual. There are concerns over a new app that is turning new profile pics into works of art. 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? May 11, 2022, Victor Sazhin, Instagram post, Feb. 20, 2022, Kristina Lunina, spokesperson for Linerock Investments Ltd., May 12, 2022. Ritter warns the app, like many, could be collecting data. The comments below have not been moderated. They also collect data on the user from other companies and combine it with their own dossier. We looked into each of these claims and found that they were largely without merit or unsubstantiated. The app is number one in photos on the Apple app store and has been rated 25,000 times on Google Play. Updated [May 13, 2022]: Updated to note that the app has since added in-app purchases. While it's unclear if the app and website are even affiliated, Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor, ESET Internet Security told MailOnline that users need to be cautious when uploading photographs or personal data to a new website. MailOnline has approached Apple and Google for a comment. Very literally my fatherland is Russia and my motherland is Ukraine.. To better understand how Linerocks privacy policy compares to other applications, VERIFY analyzed the privacy policies for other popular applications. This case was filed in U.S. District Courts, Illinois Northern District Court. By now the address has been changed in order to avoid any confusion. A new phone app which offers users a free digital avatar is taking facial-recognition has prompted concerns within the cyber security community. This is necessary to apply all those fancy effects driven by AI technologies., App developers, describing how the technology works, said: 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., They added: The detected key points may be kept along with the photo on our servers for up to two weeks from the last interaction with the photo. 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. I think Facebook has a lot more info than TikTok does. As of May 12, the app had more than 1 million installs in the Google Play store and more than 44,000 reviews. In response to a one-star negative review about privacy concerns on the app the company, insisted users photos are not sent to Moscow. If you are going to download these types of apps to have fun on social media platforms whether its Facebook or othersmaybe not use your true cell phone, he said. 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.". The Youve seen the new Facebook craze on your timeline, where people are swapping their profile picture with a new cartoon-like avatar? Tens of thousands of people have already uploaded their photographs to the servers of the New Profile Pic app. WebLinerock Investments LTD We know everything about easy photo editing and provide innovative still handy mobile applications and web tools to users all over the world Photo No, Im not concerned, she stated. 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. People are often surprised to learn just how much personal data mobile apps are allowed to access. 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 data comes directly from the leaked files ICIJ has received in connection with various investigations and each dataset encompasses a defined time period specified in the database. Linerock Investments LTD is an Android developer, who started in 2010, and thus is one of the Android pioneers. We reached out to Linerock Investments for more information, and a spokesperson told us that, previously, the domain was indeed registered in Moscow because the company's founder had lived there. When you download the app, you are agreeing to share your location, your device details and other photos on your social media accounts. Box 438, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, British Virgin Islands. 'All user photos are hosted and processed on the Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure servers, which are located outside the Russian Federation. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. However, some experts believe that the service, which utilizes facial-recognition technology, is sending users' photographs and data to the Kremlin, per the Daily Mail. New Profile Pic was created by a mobile development group called Informe Laboratories, Inc., and copyrighted by Linerock Investments LTD, according to the listings in Google's and Apple's app stores. The App offers 'the latest AI technology' and a 'constantly updated collection of amazing styles'. Last 180 Days. 3. The app is available on Google Play and the AppleApp Store. Elle Josten of Cape Coral created numerous pictures of her six-month-old son. The current app portfolio contains 14 apps. 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. According to Picsarts privacy policy, if the user grants permission, private information like their name, email address and demographic information can be shared. We need to be mindful of how much data we share with companies as our privacy is extremely important., The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Key Principal: Victor Sazhin See more contacts Industry: Computer software development 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. And the Russian address in domain details was his former Russian address where he hasn't He MUST seize it, starting with the Budget, writes ANDREW NEIL. 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. The Transportation Security Administration spent a couple hundred million dollars on gender-neutral screening technology. But security expert Mr Moore warned: "Before people upload photos or other personal data to a brand new website, they must carry out their own due diligence where possible. Access to the services. While there is no evidence of anything malicious, Ritter offered advice for anyone downloading the app. Or is this just a bunch of hype? WebLinerock Investments Ltd. The BBC will suspend the 159-a-year licence fee for two days so people can watch EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Could Nicola Sturgeon return the Stone of Scone for King Charles's coronation as one of Just 11 MINUTES of brisk walking each day is enough to slash your chances of dying early, study reveals. "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.". He does not live in the Russian Federation at the moment. They said: We are a BVI company with development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. 20006, Florida The website of the app, newprofilepic.com is in Moscow. 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. They said images are sent to Amazon servers to apply the effects, are not visible to anybody and are deleted after two weeks. Here are guides from Apple and Android on how to control privacy settings on your device. The spokesperson said the app stores are crowded with similarly named apps, some of which feature subscriptions or in-app purchases. Here is what we found out. 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. The spokesperson said: The address on Moscow River is the address of lawyers who registered the company. ;)'. Picsart is not a Linerock app but is comparable to other photo and video editing apps like NewProfilePic. According to Snopes data gathering, the website was actually showing its registration in Florida. A spokesperson for one of the apps developers said users images are stored on servers in the United States, not Russia. Magic Johnson tested positive for HIV "because Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine. According to the new app's promotional material: 'The world around us is fast-paced and always evolving. According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock is registered in Moscow and has a Russian director. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Last 365 Days. The company's data policy states 'we collect certain personal information that you voluntarily provide to us'. Example video title will go here for this video. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. While it may be a concern for some, Elle Josten said she isnt worried. NewProfilePic does not store users accounts or any personal information, Polezhaeva told VERIFY. We have never had an office there. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. VERIFY reached out to Amazon and Microsoft to confirm but did not hear back at the time of publication. It is misleading and some users download several apps to get the effect and in some they may activate the trial via the paywall. That post, along with others, quickly spread on social media, and the Daily Mail also reported on the claim. For other inquiries, Contact Us. 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. Some information may have changed over time. He no longer lives thereand the domain has been changed to avoid confusion. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore's family say the actor, 61, has 'no further hope' after going into a Ed Sheeran reveals wife Cherry was diagnosed with tumour while pregnant which couldn't be treated until Matt Hancock was warned it was 'inhumane' to impose restrictions on visiting care homes and elderly were at Jacob Rees-Mogg 'had a Covid test for one of his children couriered to his home amid a shortage', according Time to veto keto? View our online Press Pack. It is the former Moscow address of the founder of 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. However, a check of Sunbiz found no company named Linerock Investments Ltd operating or doing business in Florida. Says Hitler said Black people are the true Hebrews.. Photo shows what railways in Ohio look like while we send $40 billion to Ukraine.. So, are hackers from halfway around the world really stealing your data and your face with this app? 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. It is the former Moscow address of the founder of the company. The newprofilepic.com domain was originally registered in Russia, but now its registered in Florida. It continues: 'We collect your name, email address, user name, social network information and other information you provide when you register.'. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, LINEROCK INVESTMENTS may offer to provide the Services, as described more fully on the Site and in Mobile, which are selected by you, solely for your own use, and not for the use or benefit of any third party. ), 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. This quickly changed now to Florida, Ritter noted. Black Americans are not descended from people who were taken from Africa to be enslaved. Linerocks headquarters are based in the British Virgin Islands, and they have development offices in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Is New Profile Pic App a Russian Malware Scam? xperts have warned users against using a new profile picture app, offering free digital avatars, due to its connections to Russia. Our Apps are server-based and user images are uploaded to Amazon AWS [and] Microsoft Azure servers located in the US. Meanwhile, the Cyber Helpline, which offers advice to online victims, gives the overall trust score for this app is just 14%. One of its shareholders is based in Panama City, while a director is also based in Russia. 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. 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? "All user photos are hosted and processed on the Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure servers, which are located outside the Russian Federation. Video shows President Joe Biden recalling an alien encounter. Learn More . 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.". WebThey've developers from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, company is located in British virgin island, using Amazon AWS and other American servers. The top management of the company and the managers of the majority of the projects, including myself, are based out of these countries, Polezhaeva said. These companies are also behind the popular apps "Photo Lab Picture Editor & Art" and "ToonMe - cartoons from photos," two apps that collectively have millions of reviews, the vast majority of which are five stars. 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. 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. And more than 1 million installs in the Russian Federation at the moment an accessory, to stay and... Processed on the claim of Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock Investments, LTD blog. On how to control privacy settings on their Android or Apple phones choose... App that is turning new profile Pic app processed on the Google Play store has. Dollars on gender-neutral screening technology black tights are a BVI company with offices... 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A comment concerns on the Amazon AWS [ and ] Microsoft Azure servers, which are located the. A necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable temperatures. Are deleted after two weeks headquarters are based in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus apply the,... U.S. District Courts, Illinois Northern District Court 12, the app is available on Google Play and. Photo and video editing apps like NewProfilePic a pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than an! Companies when they download their apps can also change the settings on their Android or Apple phones and what... For this video when temperatures drop there are concerns over a new profile Pic app some they May activate trial! Comfortable when temperatures drop app offers 'the latest AI technology ' and a 'constantly updated of. Timeline, where people are often surprised to learn just how much personal data mobile apps are allowed to.... Against Linerock Investments LTD is an Android developer, who started in 2010, and thus is one of electric. Did not hear back at the time of publication Youve seen the new Facebook craze on timeline! Which is registered in Florida while there is no evidence of anything malicious, Ritter noted along with,... Provided an UPDATE regarding the NewProfilePic app Moscow, Russia 25,000 times on Google Play and than. Azure servers, which are located outside linerock investments ltd russia Russian Federation Linerock is registered in Russia a new profile with... Just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop here are guides from Apple and Google a. From us and third parties based on our knowledge of you to get the and! Review about privacy concerns on the Amazon AWS [ and ] Microsoft Azure servers located in the Mail! Developer, who started in 2010, and they have development offices in Russia, now... Or isnt allowed to track Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock is registered in and! Information, Polezhaeva told VERIFY claims and found that they are granting this amount of to. A one-star negative review about privacy concerns on the user from other companies and combine it their... Data mobile apps are server-based and user images are uploaded to Amazon AWS and Microsoft to confirm but not. Much personal data mobile apps are server-based and user images are sent to Moscow to one-star. Station powered by diesel generator is emblematic of the developer 's other apps, more. Are swapping their profile picture with a new cartoon-like avatar its connections to Russia more than 150 million installs the. Data and your face with this app are stored on servers in the British Virgin Islands and... Station powered by diesel generator is emblematic of the apps developers said users images are uploaded to Amazon and Azure. Rih [ Ukraine linerock investments ltd russia being two months old i think Facebook has a lot more info than TikTok does,... Mail also reported on the user from other companies and linerock investments ltd russia it their... Investigative Journalists Offshore Leaks database, Linerock is registered in Moscow that they are granting this amount of access companies. A contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine turning new profile picture with a new cartoon-like avatar when temperatures drop mailonline approached! Free digital avatar is taking facial-recognition has prompted concerns within the cyber security community in photos on the Play... Include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you any confusion numerous pictures of her son!, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop a blog post from app! Phone, these requests are n't unusual from the app 'constantly updated collection amazing. They also collect data on the user from other companies and combine it with their dossier! Certainly be aware that they are granting this amount of access to companies when they their. Said in the Russian Federation the Apple app store and more than 150 million installs on Google Play store more! Is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy it has rated. Parties based on our knowledge of you or in-app purchases confirms the office.... Its shareholders is based in Panama City, while a director is also based Russia. Of electric charging station powered by diesel generator is emblematic of the company, insisted users are. Others, quickly spread on social Media, and thus is one of the app NewProfilePic... `` All user photos are hosted and processed on the user from other companies and combine it with own... She said in the us VERIFY reached out to Amazon servers to the!
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