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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Sophie McCoid

Houseparty denies hacking claims and offers $1m reward for proof

Houseparty has denied claims that the app is vulnerable to hackers, arguing they are the victim of a smear campaign.

Houseparty has been downloaded by thousands of people who are trying to stay in touch with their family and friends during the coronavirus lockdown.

The app allows users to have group video chats and play games virtually with friends.

But rumours circulated online this week that downloading the app led to other services such as Netflix and Spotify being hacked.

Several people posted on Twitter screenshots they claimed showed they were locked out of applications like Netflix, Spotify and even bank accounts after they downloaded Houseparty.

However Houseparty say there is "no evidence" to back up these claims.

Epic Games has not said why it believes Houseparty were the victim of a smear attack but promised to pay the first person to provide evidence of this - reports the BBC.

Houseparty does not access third-party apps like Netflix or Spotify, though it does ask for access to user's contacts and connections on Facebook and Snapchat.

The company issued a statement denying the allegations.

A spokesperson for Epic Games said: "We've found no evidence to suggest a link between Houseparty and the compromises of other unrelated accounts.

"As a general rule, we suggest all users choose strong passwords when creating online accounts on any platform."

Houseparty also tweeted saying: "We are investigating indications that the recent hacking rumors were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign to harm Houseparty.

"We are offering a $1,000,000 bounty for the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign to bounty@houseparty.com."

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