NBI warns vs. potential dangers of using FaceApp

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has warned against the use of the popular mobile application FaceApp, according to an Unang Balita report on Tuesday.

The app, popular even among Filipino celebrities, provides a highly realistic gender transformation of faces.

But according to the NBI Cybercrime Division, the app may have the potential to access the user's information, including location and sensitive photos.

The NBI reportedly said uninstalling the app does not mean the user is safe from its dangers.

Asked to elaborate, NBI Cybercrime Division chief Victor Lorenzo said the app asks users for permission to access photos and videos in their phone. This poses the possible risk of sensitive materials being accessed and used by unscrupulous persons, he said.

Lorenzo said the NBI is not telling the public not to use the app, but urged them to read the fine print before using mobile applications.

"Ang sinasabi lang namin is kung saka-sakaling gusto mong mag-download ng apps, nakalagay doon, 'will you allow this app to access your photos, videos...' Pag-isipan mo muna, 'meron ba akong sensitive materials... sa cellphone ko,'" he told GMA News Online.

"Pag sinabi mong wala, pangalawa basahin mo 'yung fine print, pag komportable ka doon sa terms and conditions nila, i-download mo, gamitin mo... Hindi 'yung masyado tayong excited, hindi na natin alam, [na] hindi pala tayo comfortable doon sa terms and conditions," he said.  --with Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News