What Are the Security Risks Associated with Face-Altering App Voil AI Artist?
Security risks associated with data collection are inherent in many applications. Though the company that operates Voil AI Artist Cartoon Photo collects data from individual users, it is not yet known to what extent these pose security risks that are unique from other data-collecting applications. Transforming a selfie into a Pixar-style cartoon character may be entertaining, but in June 2021, a number of media outlets reported that there may be potential security risks to personal data and information by using such smartphone technologies. One such app is the Voil AI Artist Cartoon Photo available to iPhone and Android users. As of this writing, there were over 91,000 ratings between Apple iTunes stores and Google Play from users who had used the artificial intelligence software to digitally turn their selfie or portrait into a cartoon character or Renaissance-era painting. The app was created by Wemagine.ai LLP and can be downloaded for free  but may come with a certain security cost. We are a tight knit team of two founders, creative directors, creators and developers who are passionate about combining humans creativity and AIs capabilities to create remarkable products, read the companys website. A look through the apps privacy policy revealed that potential security risks associated with its use were on par with other data-collecting platforms. As of March 1, 2021, the apps privacy practices, which were not verified by Apple, read as follows:  We use your data to provide and improve Service. By using Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, the terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions.  In short, though the company that operates Voil AI Artist Cartoon Photo collects data from individual users, it is not yet known to what extent these pose security risks that are unique from other data-collecting applications. But heres what we do know. Like many other app-hosting companies, Weimagine.ai LLP can collect personally identifiable data from users such as how long a person visits a particular page (usage data) and small files stored on a device known as cookies. Browser information, phone models and purchase history, photos uploaded from the mobile device while using the app  including those from the camera or camera roll  and their metadata may also be collected by the company. Wemagine affirms that it does not use photos and facial features for any reason other than for the portrait and editing functionality of Voil AI Artist App, but data collected can be outsourced to other partners. For example, collected data is sometimes managed by a data controller  a person who can determine the purposes for which and the way any personal data are, or are going to be, processed. Information and personal data may also be transferred to and maintained at computers outside of a users home location in areas where data protection laws may differ. But in providing consent to the privacy policy, a user grants the company the ability to do so. And though Wemagine said that it does not sell or rent personal information to any third parties for any purpose, it can release personal data to law enforcement, subsidiaries of the company, contractors, and third parties who are supporting the business. The security of your data is important to us but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, reads the privacy policy. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.  Snopes contacted Wemagine to receive further information on how user data is collected and what the company does with that information, but had not received a response at the time of publication. As a user, you have the right to request copies of information held by the company or require that they modify, update, or delete such information. You can also block them from using your data or limit in the way in which the company uses it. Contact voilaartist@weimagine.ai to make such requests or to withdraw consent to use personal data.