Egyptian Government's Climate Conference App Sparks Hacking Fears Among Westerners

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Western security advisers are warning delegates at the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (COP 27) summit not to download the host Egyptian government's official Android app amid fears it could be used to hack their private emails, texts, and even voice conversations.

Policymakers from Germany, France, and Canada were among those who had downloaded the app by November 8, according to two separate Western security officials. Other Western governments have advised officials not to download the app.

Security experts say the app, which is being promoted as a tool to help attendees navigate the event, risks giving the Egyptian government permission to read users' emails and messages. Even messages shared via encrypted services like WhatsApp are vulnerable. The experts say the app also provides Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology,…