FaceApp… Is It Worth The Hype?

By now you probably have a pretty good idea of what you’re going to look like in the next 3o years — thanks to the popular mobile app called, “FaceApp.” Originally launched back in 2017, FaceApp has regained popularity because this time, users have the ability to transform themselves into a younger and/or older version of themselves… because who doesn’t want to find out what side of the gene pool they’re going to inherit in the future?

The Russian-based app first went viral a couple years ago and is now having another moment in the spotlight for not-so-fun reasons. Users have been surprised to learn that the app’s creators have been gathering data from their photos and sign-in information. Understandably so, this revelation creates a big debate on whether or not private consumer information is being exposed and shared for unethical practices. I mean… do I need to recap what happened in the 2016 elections?

Not to worry, according to FaceApp’s statement to TechCrunch, the company isn’t doing anything unusual or sketchy in either its code or network traffic Truth of the matter is, there are probably a handful of other apps on your phone that are at risk of saving your personal information. Still, the conversation does bring attention to standard tech practices that have been long-questioned by consumers and policy makers. Are tech companies obligated to protect consumer information at all costs? If so, how can we measure these practices are being followed? And most importantly, how can we ensure our face is not included in facial-recognition databases that can harm us in anyway in the future?