Fake Russian apps appear in App Store
Fake versions of previously removed Russian apps have appeared in the App Store, mimicking well-known services like Rutube, VK, and Max Messenger, with some already removed and others showing misleading content or ads.
Consensus
- Fake versions of removed Russian apps have appeared in the App Store.
- The fake apps mimic the names and logos of real services like Rutube, VK, and Max.
- Some of the fake apps have been removed from the App Store.
- The original apps were previously removed from the App Store due to sanctions.
- The fake apps are not affiliated with the original companies.
- The fake apps show misleading content or display ads.
- Similar fake apps have also appeared in Google Play.
Points of divergence
- Fake copies of Max, VK, and Rutube are already available in the App Store. — tg_moscowmap
- One fake app fully copies Rutube's name and logo but is actually a social media video downloader with ads. — tvrain
- One fake app fully copies Rutube's name and logos but is actually a social media video downloader that shows ads. — tg_tvrain
- The fake Rutube app reached first place in the Russian 'Entertainment' category. — kommersant
- The VKI Video app reached first place in the Russian 'Newspapers and Magazines' category. — kommersant
- MaxMessenger reached second place in the Russian 'Social Networks' category. — kommersant
- Apple removed VK-related apps in June due to compliance with sanction rules. — kommersant
- Some fake Max apps were already removed from the App Store. — kommersant
- Security expert Alexey Lukatsky said fake apps may be used for device compromise or data theft, or to profit from ad revenue. — kommersant
Coverage (4 sources)
- Fake copies of deleted Russian apps have appeared in the App Store — Новости Москвы
- In the App Store, fake copies of deleted Russian apps began to appear — Дождь
- Fake copies of deleted Russian apps are starting to appear in the App Store — Дождь (Telegram)
- Fake copies of deleted Russian apps have appeared in the App Store — Коммерсантъ