We're only a few weeks into 2016, but we've already seen a few viral apps seemingly come out of nowhere and take over our Twitter feeds.
One such app, Stolen, which seemed to go viral almost overnight, was pulled from the App Store Thursday after privacy concerns fueled a backlash against the app.
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The game, which launched in the App Store in October, according to App Annie, turned Twitter handles into a trading card-like game where any player could "steal" specific accounts in exchange for in-game currency.
Of course, it had no effect on a person's actual Twitter account, but the game proved to be addictive nonetheless, and, with high profile Twitter users joining in, it began to take off in popularity shortly after it was posted on Product Hunt on New Year's Eve.
It also helped that the app was invite-only, which likely only fueled its popularity as would-be players took to Twitter to seek out the invite codes that would get them into the app.
But the app also drew criticism for perceived privacy violations -- since every Twitter user was automatically opted in by default -- and concerns the app would exacerbate bullying. The app's creators made an opt-out feature in response to these concerns, but on Friday, Rep. Katherine Clark from Massachusetts posted two letters on Twitter in which she expressed her concerns over the app to Apple CEO Tim Cook and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
My letter 2 Twitter & Apple abt my concerns w/ "Stolen!" - an app that enables online abusers 2 “own” ppl’s profiles pic.twitter.com/c4ujmIq4e5— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) January 14, 2016
The developer of Stolen announced Thursday evening that they would be removing the app from the App Store.
The app is no longer available in the App Store. We've heard everyone's concerns and have decided the best thing to do is to shut down.— Stolen! (@getstolen) January 14, 2016
Users who have made in-app purchases are able to get refunds through iTunes.
If you have done IAPs, refunds are available through iTunes. We appreciate all the support but shutting down the right thing to do right now— Stolen! (@getstolen) January 14, 2016
Bonus: The 20 best iPhone games of all time
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