June 28, 2023
PETALING JAYA – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has released a notice urging members of the public to avoid downloading an application called Pink WhatsApp.
“Users may receive messages and links that appear to be from WhatsApp inviting them to try 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 devices,” it said in a statement today (June 27).
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 said the app poses a security risk as it can access certain items on the user’s device such as photos, contacts list and SMS.
According to a recent report by India Times, police in Mumbai have also issued a public warning about Pink WhatsApp.
Members of the public were urged to refer to an advisory released by the Information Security Education and Awareness agency under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India, which has been titled ‘WhatsApp Pink: A red alert for Android users’.
The advisory detailed how Pink WhatsApp will bombard the affected user’s device with numerous ads and cause them to lose control of their device as personal data like OTPs and contacts can be accessed by fraudsters.