Call-recording app Neon plans to return after major security breach
Call-recording app Neon plans to return after major security breach
Neon, an innovative app that pays users for sharing their audio recordings with an AI system, has announced its plans to return after a major security breach, according to CNET.
The app had gained immense popularity on the App Store by offering users hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually in exchange for letting their audio conversations be used for training AI chatbots.
How does the app work?
Neon became the most popular social app on the App Store last week.
The app works by recording calls made through it, but only your side if you're the only one using it.
If both parties are on Neon, both sides of the conversation are recorded as long as at least one person initiates the call in-app.
However, there have been concerns about its privacy practices.
Concerns about privacy practices
Despite its success, Neon has been criticized for its privacy practices.
Some cybersecurity experts and privacy attorneys have raised concerns that the app may record both sides of a call and then remove the other party's words from the final transcript.
This has led to fears about potential misuse of the app for secretly recording real-world conversations without consent.
Major security vulnerability exposed sensitive user information
Neon's privacy concerns were further exacerbated by a major security vulnerability that exposed sensitive user information.
The flaw allowed anyone to access other users' phone numbers, call recordings, and transcripts.
In light of this breach, Neon took the app offline temporarily but kept it available for download on the App Store.
Legal experts warn of potential liabilities for users
Neon founder Alex Kiam has assured users that their payments are still intact despite the app going dark.
He promised that Neon would be back "soon" and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the security breach.
However, legal experts have warned that it is unclear whether Neon complies with laws in states where two-party consent is required for audio recordings, potentially leaving users liable to criminal and civil charges.