After witnessing huge success in the past few months, Houseparty, a group video chatting app, is facing tough time in social media with users raising concern about the app by using hashtags #Housepartyhacked and #DeleteHouseParty.
Amid these viral hashtags, the users in Qatar were unable to use Houseparty app, raising doubts that the app has been blocked here. Social media was abuzz with concerns about safety of Houseparty user’s personal information.
The Ministry of Transport and Communication said in its website, “Online chat software are widely used. They have many features and are low in cost. But the possibility of these software getting manipulated by cybercriminals by camouflaging their identities to reach their targets make them a source of threat to your privacy and the privacy of your family.”
Many users in Qatar went to social media to know why the app was not opening despite repeated attempts. “Did something happen to the #houseparty app in #Qatar?” tweeted Elisabete, yesterday. Users even approached internet service providers to get more clarifications on this issue.
“Dear customers, regarding what’s being circulated about several blocked apps, we’d like to clarify that this issue is out of our control. Thank you for your understanding,” said Ooredoo Qatar in a tweet, yesterday.
However, Houseparty tried to clear doubts to some extent for its users by issuing a statement yesterday on twitter.
“Unfortunately we believe that our app may have been blocked for users in Qatar. This was not an action taken by Houseparty. We’re hoping the situation changes as soon as possible,” said Houseparty on twitter. The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) declined to comment on this issue now and is expected to provide information about the situation in coming days.
Globally the app is facing questions about users’ personal information safety. Many users on twitter said they have had Spotify, Instagram and other accounts hacked after downloading the app.
“I received 9 texts from Microsoft providing me with a ‘verification’ code for no reason whatsoever. This was over a 2 separate days since I downloaded your app. Obvious someone was trying to get into my account. Better to be safe than sorry. FaceTime instead. #DeleteHouseParty,” tweeted James Gooday.
Another user feared that his account was hacked. “I can’t seem to delete my account on house party after finding out it was hacked. Can somebody please help me? I don’t have a privacy option plus I just found out this creepy app doesn’t allow you deselect permission settings for your camera & contacts! #DeleteHouseparty,” tweeted Jason Patric. However the company assured all its users that all Houseparty accounts are safe and secure. “All Houseparty accounts are safe - the service is secure, has never been compromised, and doesn’t collect passwords for other sites,” said Houseparty.
Experts say that many users do not realise how much amount of personal information Houseparty gathers about its users. But, many users in Qatar said that such apps are helpful.
