"Spyware-infected 'Evil Telegram' Android apps on Google Play put millions at risk"
Malicious Telegram clones for Android on Google Play have infected over 60,000 users with spyware, stealing user messages, contacts lists, and other data. The apps, targeted at Chinese-speaking users and the Uighur ethnic minority, may have ties to state monitoring and repression mechanisms. The malicious apps were discovered by Kaspersky and reported to Google, but some were still available for download at the time of the report. The apps appear as faster alternatives to the original Telegram app but contain additional code to steal data. Google has since removed the apps from Google Play and banned the developers. Users are advised to stick to genuine versions of messaging apps and avoid downloading forked apps that promise enhanced features.