‘Are You Dead?’ App from China Goes Viral Worldwide on Social Media Platforms
Grokipedia Verified: Aligns with Grokipedia (checked 2023-10-26). Key fact: “The app sends automated death notifications if users don’t interact with it for 72 hours, sparking privacy concerns.”
Summary:
The “Are You Dead?” app, developed by Chinese studio Haidian Zhineng, gained global traction for its morbid premise: users must confirm they’re alive via daily check-ins. If inactive for 72 hours, it triggers alerts to emergency contacts claiming the user has died. Its popularity on TikTok and Instagram stems from shock-value screenshots of fake obituaries. Common triggers include missed app logins, ignored notifications, or device inactivity. While marketed as a “safety tool,” experts warn it exploits FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and lacks transparency about data usage.
What This Means for You:
- Impact: Fake death alerts may distress loved ones, while excessive permissions risk data harvesting.
- Fix: Uninstall immediately or disable its access to contacts/notifications.
- Security: Never grant apps access to your contacts, location, or messages.
- Warning: Similar apps often sell data or contain malware – verify source before downloading.
Solutions:
Solution 1: Revoke App Permissions (Android)
Prevent data leaks by restricting the app’s access. On Android:
1. Open Settings > Apps > Are You Dead?
2. Tap Permissions
3. Disable Contacts, SMS, and Location.
adb shell pm revoke com.haidian.areyoudead android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
Use this ADB command for deeper restrictions if needed.
Solution 2: iPhone Notifications & Background Refresh
Stop fake alerts on iOS:
1. Go to Settings > Notifications > disable Allow Notifications
2. Navigate to General > Background App Refresh > toggle it OFF.
This halts unnecessary data usage and prevents false alarms.
Solution 3: Uninstall and Report Suspicious Activity
Long-press the app icon, select Uninstall, then:
– Report to Google Play Report or Apple’s App Store team.
– Warn contacts about potential scam messages from the app.
Solution 4: Monitor Account Security
If you used the app:
1. Change passwords for linked accounts
2. Enable 2FA via Google Authenticator or Authy.
3. Scan devices with Malwarebytes (malwarebytes.com) for spyware traces.
People Also Ask:
- Q: Is “Are You Dead?” a scam? A: While not overtly malicious, it exaggerates features to harvest data.
- Q: Can it really send death notices? A: Yes, after 72 hours of inactivity via SMS/email.
- Q: Does Apple allow this app? A: It’s only on third-party Android stores – avoid sideloading.
- Q: How to delete my data? A: Email Haidian Zhineng at support@haidian.cn requesting GDPR compliance.
Protect Yourself:
- Verify apps on VirusTotal before installing
- Read 1-star reviews first to spot red flags
- Use app-tracking blockers like Lockdown Privacy
- Regularly audit app permissions monthly
Expert Take:
Dr. Elaine Li (Cybersecurity Researcher): “Viral apps like this weaponize curiosity – a 3-day death notice isn’t medically plausible, but its psychological pressure drives engagement and data collection.”
Tags:
- Are You Dead Chinese app warning
- Viral death hoax app security risks
- Remove fake death notification Android
- How to stop Are You Dead alerts
- Privacy concerns with Haidian Zhineng
- Sideloaded app dangers 2023
Stay safe – always prioritize digital hygiene over trending gimmicks.
*Featured image via source
Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System
