ToTok Returns to Google Play Store

ToTok, the mobile app has been reinstated to the Google Play app ecosystem. The app was earlier removed because of the claims that it was being used for government espionage.

Back in 2019, ToTok was launched. It was downloaded by millions soon after its launch in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The reason for its strong reception in UAE is that WhatsApp and Skype are partially restricted in the country.

Even though the app was quite popular, it was taken down by Google Play and the Apple App Store. However, after a report by the New York Times in December, the app is used by the United Arab Emirates government as a spy tool.

The ToTok in a website update said that the app is again available on the Google Play.

ToTok wrote, “‪The wait is over. We are happy to inform you that #ToTok is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Thank you for your patience.”

Earlier Google told the New York Times that it removed the app as it “violated unspecified policies.” They were asked when the app will be back on Google Play of which a Google spokesperson said that “we take reports of security and privacy violations seriously. If we find behavior that violates our policies, we take action.”

The app has been updated on the Google Play Store under a “What’s New” tab on the Google Store app page. There is a newly-designed dialog that asks for the authorization of users for accessing and syncing the contact list.

The app is still not available on the App Store.

Must read: Google and Apple remove allegedly UAE’s spying app ToTok

ToTok co-founder Giacomo Ziani said “We firmly deny this baseless accusation, and we are profoundly saddened by this complete fabrication that was thrown at us. We feel caught up in some vile conspiracy against the UAE, and even jealousy by some people, who do not wish an app like ours from this region to ever become a global player.”