GetContact: Virus Utility and Privacy Threats

GetContact is a popular application that allows you to view how your number is recorded in the phone books of other users. However, it raises concerns about the privacy and security of personal data.

The GetContact phenomenon

Rapid rise in popularity

At the end of February, the Ukrainian Internet space was shaken by a wave of interest in the GetContact application. This phone utility has become extremely popular thanks to its unique function - the ability to find out how your or someone else's number is saved in the contacts of other users. Social networks were flooded with screenshots with funny and strange captions, which caused a stormy reaction from users.

GetContact A virus utility that threatens your privacy

Application mechanism

When first launched, GetContact requests access to the user's contacts. After that, information from the address book is sent to the company's servers. Instead, the user gets the opportunity to see how his number is recorded by other GetContact users. Additionally, you can check any other number. The developer's official website has a counter that shows the number of addresses in the service database - at the time of writing, there were more than 2.2 billion of them.

GetContact A virus utility that threatens your privacy

Hidden Threats

When users agree to GetContact's terms of use, they often don't realize they're giving the company the right to collect and share their data with third parties. This opens the way for potential spam and unauthorized use of personal information. Among the data that GetContact receives are contacts, photos, email addresses, IP addresses, and call history.

GetContact A virus utility that threatens your privacy

Distribution geography and legal restrictions

GetContact gained popularity not only in Ukraine, but also in many other countries. However, due to violation of the legislation on personal data protection, the application was banned in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. In Russia, GetContact is being checked for legal compliance. In Ukraine, the question of the legality of the application remains open and requires detailed consideration by lawyers and relevant state authorities.

Possible ways of protection

For those who have already installed GetContact, but are concerned about privacy issues, the developers offer the option of deleting the account. The site has a special form in the Unlist section that allows you to remove your number from the general register within 24 hours. It is important to remember that simply deleting the application from the smartphone is not enough - you must first go to the settings and find the appropriate section.

Glossary

GetContact is a popular mobile application for viewing information about phone numbers
App Store - application store for Apple devices
Google Play - application store for Android devices
Roskomnadzor - the Russian executive body that supervises the field of mass communications
GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union

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Answers to questions

What is GetContact and why is it popular?

GetContact is a mobile application that allows users to find out how their phone number is recorded in other people's contacts. It gained popularity due to people's curiosity and the opportunity to see funny or unusual captions for their numbers. Popularity has increased due to the spread of screenshots in social networks.

What are the privacy risks of using GetContact?

Using GetContact involves serious privacy risks. The app collects a large amount of personal data, including contacts, photos, call history, and IP addresses. In addition, by agreeing to the terms of use, you allow the company to share this data with third parties and use it for marketing purposes.

Is GetContact legal in Ukraine?

The legality of GetContact in Ukraine is a controversial issue. Although the collection of personal data can be considered legal with the consent of the user, there are doubts about the compliance of the terms of use of the application with Ukrainian legislation on the protection of personal data. In addition, if the company has not registered its database in Ukraine, its activities may be considered illegal.

How can I delete my data from GetContact?

To delete your data from GetContact, you must first go to the application settings, find the "About Get Contact" section, and then fill out a special form on the official website in the Unlist section. The developers promise to remove the number from the registry within 24 hours. It is important to note that simply deleting the application from the smartphone is not enough to completely delete the data.

Which countries have already banned GetContact and why?

GetContact has already been banned in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan due to violations of laws on processing personal data. In Armenia, the authorities urged citizens to stop using the app. In Russia, a check is carried out for compliance with legislative norms. The main reason for bans is the transfer of personal data to third parties without proper information of users.

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Discussion of the topic – GetContact: A virus utility that threatens your privacy

2024-09-15

The article reveals the essence of the popular GetContact application, its functionality and potential threats to user privacy. The phenomenon of its viral distribution is analyzed and the risks associated with the use of this telephone utility are discussed.

Sergey Berezin
Sergey Berezin Copywriter Elbuz

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