Google has issued a warning to users about the Slice payments app, raising concerns about its alleged attempts to access users’ personal data. Slice, positioned as a credit card alternative in the fintech sector, has faced scrutiny after Google flagged potential privacy breaches within the app.
Privacy Breach Alert
Google Play Protect, which routinely monitors installed applications for security threats, notified users about Slice, stating that the app “puts your device at risk.” Upon clicking the notification, users were directed to the Play Protect page, where it was revealed that Slice was identified as a harmful app attempting to access personal data such as messages, photos, audio recordings, and call history. Users were advised to uninstall the app to mitigate potential risks.
Slice’s Response
Slice promptly addressed the issue on Twitter, asserting that they had resolved the issue shortly after it was brought to their attention. They attributed the problem to an Android update and urged users to update to the latest version of the app. However, it remains unclear what triggered the alert and whether Slice had indeed attempted to access user data in previous versions of the app.
Technical Glitch or Privacy Concerns?
While Slice maintains that the issue was swiftly resolved, Google has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the alert. Slice, in a statement to Business Insider India, attributed the alert to a technical glitch associated with a specific app version (10.07.1). They reassured users that there had been no material changes to the system and advised affected users to reinstall the app and use version 10.0.7.3.
Regulatory Scrutiny Adds to Concerns
This incident coincides with increased regulatory scrutiny faced by Slice in India. The Reserve Bank of India recently prohibited non-banking prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), including wallets and prepaid cards, from offering credit lines on their platforms. This regulatory action impacts companies like Slice and Unicards, adding to the challenges faced by these fintech entities.
As Slice navigates through these privacy and regulatory challenges, users and industry observers await further clarity on the implications of the Google alert and the measures taken by the company to safeguard user privacy and security.
