Leaks.. Qatar spies on fans during World Cup through compulsory apps
Because of its serious fears of the inevitable criticism expected at the start of the World Cup for the many crises that it is going through, Qatar spies on football fans who also come to it through phone apps that force them to download, which is a matter of concern and controversy internationally.
Politico newspaper published an important warning from data protection chiefs and programmers to download the apps that are imposed on fans when they arrive in Doha because this app is dedicated to spying on personal information, social media accounts, WhatsApp and studio conversations.It explained that this came on the basis of a message to football fans from the data protection chiefs in Europe, stating that the World Cup applications in Qatar pose a great threat to privacy, so don’t download them.
European data protection regulators published a warning of the risks posed by the German World Cup data protection commissioner, where he was the event. In a statement on Tuesday, the German authorities said: Data collected by Qatari apps are being asked to download by visitors “goes much further” than the app’s privacy notices suggest.The German authorities said: “An app collects data about whether to make a phone call and what number.” “The other application is preventing the device on which it is installed from going to sleep. It is also clear that the data used by the apps is not only local on the device, but also transferred to a central server.” German data chiefs say that if downloading the apps is “absolutely necessary”, do so on another empty phone.The Norwegian and French data protection agencies have already issued similar advice. The Norwegian regulatory body said on Monday that they are “disturbed” by the wide access the apps require.
“There is a real possibility that visitors to Qatar, particularly vulnerable groups, will be monitored by the Qatari authorities,” it said. AFP said fans should pay particular attention to photos and videos, recommending travelers install the apps just before departure and delete them as soon as they return to France. The French government – despite close ties with Qatar – also repeated CNIL’s advice on Tuesday. “In France, thanks to [the General Regulation for Data Protection], all applications must ensure the fundamental rights of individuals and the protection of their data. That is not the case in Qatar,” tweeted junior minister for digital affairs Jean-Noel Barrow, referring to the privacy regulator’s guidelines. Nearly 1.5 million visitors are expected in Qatar to participate in the World Cup finals, which will be held from 20 November to 18 December. The event has been a controversial one since it was honored in 2010.
Foreigners visiting the country were asked to download the official World Cup app, while those visiting health care facilities would be asked to download the Ehteraz infection tracking app. Both apps were classified as a “spyware” by experts because they provide Qatari authorities with extensive access to people’s data as well as the ability to read, delete or change content and even make direct calls.
The Qatari government did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Google and Apple, whose online stores include apps, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
