Streaming Piracy Apps Abound on the App Store
In recent months, numerous iPhone apps for streaming piracy have surfaced on the Apple App Store. These apps initially appear harmless, but they secretly incorporate functionality that allows users to access pirated content from popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, and even Apple TV+. This abuse of the App Store guidelines has become increasingly common.
<h3 id="navharmloseapp0″>Harmless App Offers Stolen Streams The most recent example of this tactic is an app called “Collect Cards,” which climbed the free apps ranking in several countries. Developed using the React Native framework, the app utilized Microsoft’s CodePush SDK to update itself without requiring App Store approval. By leveraging geolocation data, the app ensured that pirated content was only loaded outside of Apple’s headquarters. <h3 id="nav_geofencing
This technique of geofencing is not new. Similar methods have been employed by companies like Uber in the past. While Apple has a team of 500 people analyzing 100,000 apps every week, there’s potential for malicious apps to slip through the cracks. CodePush, for example, could be used to deliver malware or fraudulent offers.
Reports suggest that “Collect Cards” contained pirated content from various streaming platforms. Initially limited to Brazil, the pirated functionality was later discovered in other countries.