In December 2019, Google Play Store and Apple App Store removed an Emirati messaging application called ToTok following allegations that it was a state surveillance application, according to "The New York Times" report. The application's privacy policy clearly stated that it may share personal data of the users with “regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and other lawful access requests”. The allegations were denied by the co-founders of ToTok, Giacomo Ziani and Long Ruan, respectively. The application was restored on Google Play Store later on.