Beware Of Fake LeaveHomeSafe Apps, Govt Warns

The government has warned the public to beware of fake LeaveHomeSafe apps, saying those bogus smartphone applications could pose serious cyber security and privacy risks.

In a statement issued on Saturday, authorities say they have noticed a growing number of fake LeaveHomeSafe apps, adding that the suspected cases have been referred to the police for investigation.

The warning comes as officials call on members of the public to use the government-developed smartphone programme to record their whereabouts in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Authorities stressed that the app does not require registration and has no tracking functions, adding that users' visit records are saved only on their smartphones.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam revealed in her Facebook post on Friday that 1.8 million people have downloaded the programme so far.