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Mark Wahlberg Says AI Belongs in Film ‘the Right Way’ and Would Let an AI Clone Carry On His LegacyPIA makes WireGuard default in v3.8.0 update, claims faster Windows speedsVeritas expands anti-counterfeit chip to jewelry, trophies and fragrance bottlesDNI Jay Clayton Says AI Espionage Is a Reality Companies Must Be Wary OfTechRadar review calls Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 11 Aura Edition a creative studio in a backpackJAECOO and Momenta Complete No-Takeover Drive Through Arc de Triomphe Roundabout in Paris
Cybersecurity

Fake WhatsApp Clone Appears Above Real App in Sponsored Google Play Slot

Fake WhatsApp clone appeared above real app in Play Store sponsored slot with more than 500,000 downloads.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-17 00:10

The WhatsApp clone is listed under a developer called "Agment Assets sallu," which has no other apps currently on the Play Store. Its Play Store page uses the same icon, screenshots, and text as the real WhatsApp. The real WhatsApp listing has more than 10 billion downloads, an Editor's Choice badge, and more than 246 million reviews.

Android Authority reported that the fake app may be using Google Play's Early Access program to disable public user reviews. Android Authority pointed out that blocking public reviews could have prevented users from warning others against downloading the app. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Verge. The fake listing was still live at the time of writing.

The earlier Chrome clone was reported on the Play Store this week. The Verge reported that the WhatsApp dupe had passed 500,000 downloads before the article was published. The reports did not say whether Google had removed the WhatsApp clone or taken other action against the developer.