Roskomnadzor Investigates Top Russian App Store App

On Wednesday, February 28, Roskomnadzor began an investigation into the popular GetContact app to determine its compliance with Russian personal data laws. This was reported by RBC, citing sources within the agency.

Earlier this week, GetContact became the most downloaded app in the Russian App Store, surpassing both Telegram and Sberbank Online. Russia ranks second in the number of GetContact users, following Turkey, where the app originated, according to RBC.

What Is GetContact?

GetContact allows users to identify phone numbers of callers who are not in their contact list. For example, GetContact users were even able to discover the phone number of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, after which the app was blocked in that country. GetContact is also banned in Kazakhstan. For a time, Kazakh users had access to a local alternative, but it was soon prohibited as well.

The app collects names and phone numbers from users who have installed it. Once installed, GetContact accesses the phone’s contact list and learns how various contacts are saved. According to the developers’ official website, the app’s database contains over 2 billion phone numbers.

How to Remove Your Number from the Database

For those who do not want their number included in the database, there is a special service to hide it from search results. Users need to submit a request on a dedicated page and then confirm their number using a verification code sent via SMS.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Possible Consequences

Regulators in several countries have already started to scrutinize the app. Roskomnadzor has now joined them and will check whether GetContact complies with Russian personal data laws. If violations are found, the agency may take appropriate measures, up to and including restricting access to GetContact within Russia.