Data privacy expert urges netizens to weigh benefits, risks when using Faceapp

A data privacy expert has urged netizens to weigh the benefits against the risks of using photo editing application Faceapp.

Launched in 2017, the app allows its users to transform into older versions of themselves or change their features to look like the opposite gender.

While it may seem like a harmless craze, Atty. Jamael Jacob reminded users that there's usually a trade off: apps often ask for permission to collect your data.

"Sa panahon ngayon na napakahalaga ng ating personal na impormasyon, so kailangan natin itong pangalagaan," he said in an episode of GMA Digital Specials' "Need to Know."

READ: NBI warns vs. potential dangers of using FaceApp

Jacob said users should read the terms and conditions as well as the privacy policies to educate themselves on the level of access they are giving to apps.

"Once na ginamit mo, dinownload mo, in-install mo 'yung app, automatic na 'yun. Essentially pumayag ka nang gawin niya 'yun sa information mo," he said.

He also said using your Facebook account to access the app may give it access to your Facebook information.

Faceapp's privacy policy states that it does not collect, use, or share video information of the users. The company also said that "most images" uploaded by users are deleted in their servers after 48 hours.

However, the privacy policy also states that Faceapp collects information such as purchase history, type of device used, and other online activities such as websites visited. It can also collect social media information such as such as your name, alias, and your friends list.

In addition, facial recognition and identity theft are also issues being raised about Faceapp.

READ: Treat facial recognition like password, says cybersecurity company

"Kaya I think nili-link 'yung issue ng facial recognition technology sa Faceapp dahil sa akto natin ng pagbibigay ng photo sa Faceapp, parang binibigyan natin ng capacity or paraan itong Faceapp na mag-build ng database," Jacob said.

"'Yung identity theft isa 'yan sa pinaka-common na masamang pwedeng mangyari sa 'yo at sa impormasyon mo," he added. "Once pinamigay mo 'yun, who knows kung sino na ngayon ang pwedeng magpanggap bilang ikaw."

Faceapp CEO Yaroslav Goncharov and the app's privacy policy addressed these concerns, saying that they do not use photos other than "to provide you with portrait editing functionality of the app." —MGP, GMA News