Experts warn of malware in popular Chinese app risking millions

Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo's popular shopping app has been accused of violating users' privacy and data security. Experts claim that the app can bypass cell phone security and access other apps, read private messages, change settings, and monitor activities. Cybersecurity teams from Asia, Europe, and the United States, along with former and current Pinduoduo employees, were interviewed by CNN in a detailed investigation. Malware was identified on the app that exploited Android operating systems to spy on users and competitors to boost sales. Google suspended Pinduoduo from its Play Store in March, citing malware identified in versions of the app. In response, the company issued a new update of its app, version 6.50.0, which removed the exploits, according to two experts who spoke to CNN. Pinduoduo has denied the allegations, though cybersecurity researchers have found about 50 Android system vulnerabilities exploited by the app. The company's international sister app, Temu, may also face scrutiny. Pinduoduo's parent company, PDD, is listed on the Nasdaq in New York. The findings have come amid intense scrutiny of Chinese-develop