ToTok, a popular messaging app, fell under the scanner last year in December after the New York Times report highlighted that the app was being used as a spying tool by UAE government. Google conducted an investigation around the app, after which the app was finally removed from the Google Play Store. However, ToTok has denied the allegation and published a note on its website, stating, its disappointment around the ‘attack perpetrated against the company’.

SEE ALSO: Messaging app ToTok found to be UAE surveillance tool, according to reports

In a post titled, “A note to the ToTok community from our cofounders”, the ToTok cofounders mention that they don’t see any ‘legitimate reason’ behind the new ToTok ban. “First of all, we want to inform all our new users with Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo phones, that ToTok remains available in their phone maker's app stores. All other Android users can install the ToTok app safely from our official website”.

Non-Apple users can continue to download ToTok from our Official Website. Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo users can download ToTok from their phone maker's app store.



Let's connect! pic.twitter.com/p53PyQajjh — ToTok (@ToTokMessenger) February 21, 2020

ToTok further states that Google and Apple have taken unwarranted actions against the firm. It added that there was absence of evidence and reflects on the ‘lack of impartiality and fairness’ projected by the tech giant.

After removing the app from its Play Store, Google has asked ToTok users to uninstall the app by sending a Play Protect warning. The note mentions that ToTok has also safeguarded users privacy and security by following best industry practices and has also been adhering to Apple and Google’s policies.

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Cofounders also claim that there are fraudulent clone apps of ToTok on the Play Store that are approved and are circulating widely on the app stores, highlighting the “evident flaw in the app approval process”.

ToTok also tweeted recently asking its users to ignore the Google notification and enjoy ToTok as its “entirely safe and secure”.