Egypt’s mobile app for the COP27 climate conference is being criticized by tech experts and rights groups. They claim the app, which collects personal data and requires location tracking, could be used to spy on delegates
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Despite being downloaded over 10,000 times, cybersecurity experts warn the app could monitor private conversations and emails. Egypt’s special envoy to the conference denies these claims, stating the app poses no security threat.
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Concerns about the app’s surveillance potential have led some Western governments to advise their officials not to download it. Advocacy group African Digital Rights Network has also expressed concern about the mandatory collection of detailed personal data and location tracking.
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The app can access a user’s calendar, camera, microphone, and contacts, collecting more data than necessary. Digital rights groups have described the app as “highly intrusive,” questioning why Egyptian authorities need such extensive access to information about COP27 attendees.