Is Houseparty safe? Hacking fears and app’s creepy ‘porn-bombing’ trend revealed

AS millions around the world self-isolated during the coronavirus pandemic, the Houseparty app soared to immense popularity.

This genius video calling app let you chat with pals, play games and more – but is it safe and can it be hacked?

The Houseparty app lets you hang out with pals in a virtual environmentHouse Party

Is Houseparty safe?

On the whole, Houseparty appears to be largely safe to use.

The app has seen pranksters hopping into calls to cause havoc – but there are ways to get around this.

And the app does also ask for a large amount of information, which may worry the privacy-conscious.

However, with the right settings, you can have a great time on Houseparty.

Of course, it’s always worth remembering that no app or service is ever truly safe.

Even tech titans like Facebook can suffer hacks or leaks, so always be vigilant with your information online.

Houseparty hack rumours

In late March 2020, rumours began circulating that suggesting a major Houseparty hack.

Users flooded to Twitter reporting other accounts – like Spotify or PayPal – had been hijacked after downloading Houseparty.

It’s not clear if Houseparty is linked to these breaches, but the app’s creators denied that a breach had taken place.

Houseparty is owned and operated by Epic Games, the major US firm behind hit games Fortnite and Gears of War.

“We’ve found no evidence to suggest a link between Houseparty and the compromises of other unrelated accounts,” an Epic Games spokesperson told The Sun.

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

“Use a unique password for each account, and use a password generator or password manager to keep track of passwords, rather than using passwords that are short and simple.”

A spokesperson later told The Sun that the Houseparty hack claims may be part of a major hoax.

Houseparty claims it hasn’t been hacked, but has been targeted by a smear campaignHouseparty

The second statement read: “Our investigation found that many of the original tweets spreading this claim have been deleted and we’ve noticed Twitter accounts suspended.

“It’s a disheartening situation for a service like ours that’s bringing people much needed face-to-face social connections and empathy at a critical time.”

The Sun understands that Twitter has been unable to find evidence of a coordinated campaign at this time.

Houseparty said that it was “investigating indications that the recent hacking rumors were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign”

It added: “We are offering a $1,000,000 bounty for the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign.”

Uploading all of your contacts

One of the big red flags for true privacy die-hards is the networking system.

When you sign up, you’re asked to hand over your entire list of contacts – which will be stored on Houseparty servers.

“If you choose to import your personal contacts from your mobile device we will access your personal contacts in order to identify Users that you may know that are using the Services and to provide other Users with suggestions for potential Connections based on mutual contacts,” Houseparty’s privacy policy explains.

“Note, however, that we will never share your phone number or the phone numbers of third parties in your Contacts with anyone else.”

This isn’t a shady tactic: it simply lets the app connect you with pals.

But in a world where hacks and leaks are rife, handing over contact info for everyone you know won’t sit well with everyone.

The good news is that it’s possible to entirely avoid handing over your contacts to Houseparty.

Just press Skip when prompted, and your contacts won’t be uploaded.

The app still works fine without contacts, and you can add friends, join and host calls, play games and everything else you’d normally do.

Strangers ‘porn-bombing’ your calls

Porn-bombing isn’t a problem specific to Houseparty – but it certainly exists.

Just like on Zoom, it’s relatively easy to find and access another person’s group call.
This has led to twisted pranksters hopping into video calls to show off pornographic content – or their own naked form.

As such, it’s important to keep your room “locked” if you can help it.

And try to avoid adding anyone you don’t know as a friend.

Unlocked rooms

Basically anyone can enter one of your video chats – unless you make it private.

The obvious answer to many of Houseparty’s problems is simply to “lock” your rooms entirely.

You can do this by hitting the padlock button when you’re in the app.

It’s still possible to invite people to the call – but that’s the only way for someone to join.

This has a downside: pals can’t just hop into your room when they like if it’s locked.

That does remove the “house party” vibe somewhat, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid having a stranger wave his todger at you over the internet.

 

Is Houseparty being shut down?

Despite Houseparty’s rise in popularity during the pandemic, it was announced on September 9 that the app will be shut down.

Instead, Houseparty will be absorbed into Epic Games, according to The Washington Post.

“Since joining Epic, the Houseparty team’s social vision and core technology have already contributed to new features used by hundreds of millions of people in ‘Fortnite’ and by developers around the world,” Houseparty stated.

“As a result, we can’t give the app or our community the attention that it deserves.”

Houseparty will be removed from app stores in October when it is shut down.

In other news, find out how to sign up to the official WhatsApp coronavirus chatbot.

Former Nasa scientist Mark Roberts used “glow powder” to show how quickly germs spread.

And a hilarious prankster has revealed a cheeky way to skip out on dull virtual meetings while working from home.

What’s your favourite video chat app? Let us know in the comments!

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