ToTok, internet calling apps in UAE: What we know about the story so far

REMOVED: On February 14, 2020 (Friday), Google has reportedly removed the chat app "ToTok" from the Play Store — for a second time — after allegations the app is being used as an espionage tool. The app was previously pulled from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store in December. Google quietly reinstated the app in January. The app appears to have remained unavailable on Apple's App Store.

TOTOK RESPONDS: Following Google's move, ToTok founders responded via a statement on their website on February 23. The app founders claimed that the the permissions requested from users are consistent with those required by other messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook and are "absolutely NOT" for spying. They also said: "We are also excited to announce that we will soon be launching a number of new features to enhance your experience, including ToTok News, ToTok Games Center"

GOOGLE PLAY STORE: On January 4, 2020 (Saturday), Totok had been made available again on Google Play Store after it was taken off. Totok was removed from Google and Apple app stores worldwide amid allegations that the app was being used as a spy tool.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED: BOTIM users got a message saying they would continue their video/voice calling services under the ToTok brand. UAE residents also reported being able to use the free app to make calls.

VOIP SERVICE: The BOTIM app as seen on a phone screen. The app is one of five apps approved for VoIP services and internet communication in the UAE with plans available on du and Etisalat for UAE consumers.

LOCAL, INTERNATIONAL CALLS: UAE residents reported being able to use the free app to make calls here and abroad. ToTok currently also offers messaging service and conference calls involving up to 20 people.

UNAVAILABLE: However, a few days later, the app became unavailable on Play Store (Google) and App Store (Apple). Apple told news agency AFP that ToTok was removed from its App Store pending a review, while Google said it was taken down from the Play Store "for a policy issue"

TECHNICAL ISSUE: Totok addressed this saying in a statement: "ToTok is temporarily unavailable in these two stores due to a technical issue. While the existing ToTok users continue to enjoy our service without interruption, we would like to inform our new users that we are well engaged with Google and Apple to address the issue."

SPY TOOL? In a couple of days, however, reports emerged online accusing the app of allegedly being used a spy tool. Some users said they deleted the app owing to the alleged privacy and security concerns.

This is a screengrab of ToTok's online statement addressing the allegations of being a spy tool. The statement said: "A technical analysis by a former NSA employee has concluded ToTok 'simply does what it claims to do, and really nothing more... no exploits, no backdoors, and no malware'."

FOLLOW UP: On December 27, 2010, yhe UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a statement saying it is closely following up on recent allegations concerning the privacy policy of some video and voice call Apps in the UAE, including ToTok. The authority also stressed that the UAE’s legal and regulatory framework strictly prohibits “espionage”

ALTERNATE APP: Squad is another free app that is currently available and working for calls from UAE. ToTok's temporary unavailability had people looking for other alternatives.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH SQUAD: Watch YouTube videos and see your friends reactions. Watch TikTok videos, simple screen sharing and call friends on any smartphone.

SCREEN SHARING: Squad also allows screen sharing. You can talk, watch videos, or just browse social media together.

WHAT OF BOTIM? BOTIM subsribers in the UAE pay either Dh50 (mobile data) or Dh100 (Wi Fi) to get unlimited video and voice calls. If BOTIM stops working, and the ToTok situation is unclear, users will have to switch to another approved app with du or Etisalat.

APPROVED APPS. There are around 5 apps, other than BOTIM, that are approved for use with subscription in the UAE.

YZER: For example, Yzer is more like a cloud-based app with a focus on messaging. It promises automatic translation, high quality video calls, voice calls, texts, group chats and more, to any other users across another other network or country.

TWO OTHER CALLING APPS: C'ME and HIU are the two other apps available for du and Etisalat. HIU allows for calls (video and voice) along with web chats on your desktop, very similar to C'ME that has the requisite video/voice calling features.

VOICE UAE: Voico UAE is yet another BOTIM-like app for video and voice calls on desktop and mobile. This one is currently only supported by Etisalat.

RESTRICTIONS TO BE LIFTED?: While popular apps such as Skype or the call features of WhatsApp don't work here, Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, had said in April that talks were on to explore lifting restrictions on some voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.

AVAILABILITY: Mohammad Al Kuwaiti, executive director of the UAE’s National Electronic Security Authority said the UAE is in talks with WhatsApp — bringing up hopes for the possibility of WhatsApp calls being made available in the UAE. “There might be a lift of that ban for [WhatsApp] voice calls… and this is going to happen soon, this is what we know and understand from the telecommunication authority here in the UAE,” said Al Kuwaiti. However, there has not been any further official update or confirmation on this from TRA.