The FBI believes that any mobile application from Russia is a potential counterintelligence threat
Law enforcement agencies of the United States are wary of applications developed in Russia. This became known from a letter from FBI Director for Congressional Affairs Jill C. Tyson (Jill C. Tyson).
This letter is a response to a request from Democratic Senator Charles E. Schumer. In July, due to the popularity of the FaceApp application, he asked the FBI and the US Federal Trade Commission to check its security, whether it poses a threat to the security of the country.
The comment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation may cause concerns among Russian developers. It notes that the internal intelligence of the States sees a potential threat not only in FaceApp (the developer is Wireless Lab, registered in St. Petersburg), but also in any Russian program:
The FBI considers any mobile application or similar product developed in Russia, such as FaceApp, a potential counterintelligence threat. This position is based on the data that the product collects, its privacy policy and terms of use, as well as legal mechanisms that allow the Russian Government to access data within the country.
In addition, Schumer notes that the FSB is able to gain remote access to all servers of Russian networks without an official request from Internet service providers.
So far, there is no question of legislative initiatives that in any way affect the operation of Russian applications. However, the FBI stated that if any officials, candidates, political campaigns or political parties become the target of foreign influence through FaceApp, it will take action.
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