THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a warning to members of the public over an application called the Pink WhatsApp.
In a statement today (June 27) it said users may receive messages and links that appear to be from WhatsApp inviting them to try out the new application.
“The MCMC advises the public not to download and install this application, and to immediately delete if it is already present on their mobile phones,” it said.
The Commission said the application is being falsely advertised with claims that it has better security and privacy offerings, along with other features like a customised interface and the ability to send larger files compared to the popular WhatsApp application by Meta.
However, MCMC noted that the app poses a security risk as it can access certain items on the user’s device, among them photos, contacts lists and SMS.
In response to this emerging threat, India Times has recently reported that the Mumbai police had released a public advisory warning citizens about the applications while urging the public to exercise caution and refrain from clicking on the accompanying link or downloading the associated application.
Law enforcement officials in Mumbai further emphasized that the claim of a “New Pink Look WhatsApp with extra features” is a complete hoax designed to compromise users’ mobile devices through malicious software.
Meanwhile, the MCMC is also urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to Pink WhatsApp to the Aduan MCMC portal or hotline at 1800-188-030. – June 27, 2023
Main pic credit: The Financial Express
