WeChat Blocks Viral Deepfake App Zao Over Privacy and Security Fears
WeChat restricts access to the popular face-swapping app Zao amid intense backlash over its aggressive data policies and deepfake security risks. The app, which went viral in China for its realistic celebrity face replacements, promises to update its controversial user terms.
WeChat restricts access to the viral face-swapping app Zao, citing security risks after the software skyrockets to the top of the iOS app store in China. Developed by a subsidiary of the dating app Momo, Zao allows users to seamlessly replace the faces of celebrities in popular movie clips with a single uploaded selfie. While users still share their generated videos on WeChat, the messaging platform blocks all invite links and app download pages with a warning about reported security risks.
The rapid success of Zao sparks immediate controversy due to a highly questionable clause in its original terms of service. That deleted clause grants the company complete, perpetual, and irrevocable ownership and copyright over all user-uploaded photos and generated content. This aggressive data policy, combined with the inherent dangers of easily accessible deepfake technology, raises serious alarms about potential misuse, harassment, and the spread of misinformation.
In response to the massive public backlash, Zao issues a statement acknowledging the privacy concerns and promises to fix the problems. The company updates its terms to state that user-generated content is now used only to improve the app and that deleted content is permanently removed from its servers. Despite these reassurances, the situation highlights the growing tension between entertaining AI innovations and the critical need for strict privacy protections.