Many questions arise on Mitro app, avoid downloading for now

Mitro, this TikTok clone app has been downloaded by more than 50 lakh people so far. This app is reportedly made-in-India, but there is a story behind it too. Recently it has been revealed that this app is actually a rebranded version of Pakistan’s TicTic app, whose source code has been purchased for around Rs 2,500. Mitron app is being promoted as an Indian app, due to which it has been downloaded more than 50 lakh times in a very short time. While on one hand its popularity is increasing rapidly, on the other hand, the question also arises whether Mitron app is safe to use? Should you download this app or avoid downloading it citing security reasons?

Mitron gives you the option to upload short videos, just like TikTok, but unlike the Chinese app, the Mitron app does not include a privacy policy. A privacy policy outlines how the app can use your data and should also outline important terms and conditions of use of the app. However, looking at the Friends app, it seems that this policy does not matter at all to the developers. If you go to Mitron’s Google Play page and click on the Privacy Policy link at the bottom, it will take you to a site called shopkiller.in, which is a blank page.

We investigated this domain name and found that the domain is registered through GoDaddy and its address is in Uttarakhand, India. Mitron was reportedly developed by an IIT-Roorkee student, so the Uttarakhand address ties into this link somewhere. However, this link seems a bit weak.

Coming back to app permissions. Friends, it asks for a lot of permissions on your Android phone. Checking again on Google Play, we find out that Mitron asks you for permissions to your photos, internal storage, camera, microphone, flashlight and even prevents your device from going to sleep. Now we know this is most likely required for video sharing apps, but if the app doesn’t have a privacy policy and the developer is an unknown entity, how do you know your data isn’t being sold to shady ad companies? Used to be?

The developer’s website is mitron.tv and if you open that website, till some time ago it used to take you to Mitron’s Google Play page, but at the time of writing it was only showing a blank page. This app, which has been downloaded more than 50 lakh times, has no website and no privacy policy. Would you believe it? The developers of Mitron may not have expected this app to go so viral, but still allowing some unknown person or organization to access your personal information, private videos, stored photos, putting your privacy at stake. Not less.

Mitron undoubtedly needs to fix its privacy issues soon, but until then, we wouldn’t recommend you use this app.

Knowing all this, do you still think you should use Friends?