Army on red alert over selfie-ageing FaceApp as soldiers are warned the Russian-based software could be used to spy on them
THE Army has warned soldiers not to use Russian-based selfie-aging phone software FaceApp over security fears.
The app, which went viral after being used by celebs, can digitally age and alter pictures.
But the app’s developers are based in St Petersburg — raising fears that Russia’s intelligence services could use it to identify serving personnel and put them at risk.
The Army has now warned those with security vetting not to install or use the app.
Anyone who has already installed it has been ordered to delete it.
A source said: “Settings on the app lets it keep hold of personal information and pictures.
“If this kind of thing got into the wrong hands it could be used to find whoever had used it.
“Top brass feel there is a realistic possibility spies could reverse search any pictures put through the app.”
It prompted millions to download the software on to their phones.
The app’s designers are based at St Petersburg’s Skolkovo Innovation Centre — founded in 2010 by then-Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
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The FBI has flagged concerns about the group. A 2014 report warned it “may be a means for the Russian government to access our nation’s sensitive or classified research, development facilities and dual-use technologies”.
Earlier this month, the estimated number of users on the app passed the 86million mark.
An MoD spokesperson told The Sun on Sunday: “For security reasons, we always encourage personnel to take the utmost care online and when downloading apps on mobile phones, especially those that request to access personal data.”
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