Just one day after the launch of Patanjali Kimbho app by Baba Ramdev, the messaging application has been removed from the Google Play Store. It’s being reported that the app has disappeared because it was just the trial run. Officials have confirmed that the app will be re-launched once the security issues are fixed.
Our trial version of #kimbho app is no longer available for download on any platform. We don’t take any responsibility for many dulicate apps showing on anywhere. Beware!
आम सूचना..!#पतंजलि का #किम्भो एप का ट्रायल वर्जन अब कहीं भी डाउनलोड के लिए उपलब्ध नहीं है @yogrishiramdev https://t.co/KWkVrpoVge— tijarawala sk (@tijarawala) May 31, 2018
Apparently, within hours of its launch, the Kimbho app was not only criticized for being a “security disaster” but the website also stopped working as it couldn’t handle the traffic. French hacker Elliot Anderson was the first one to point out all the drawbacks of the app ranging from its description to its security. He even tweeted that he can easily access the data of all users.
Hi @KimbhoApp before trying to compete #WhatsApp, you can try to secure your app. It’s possible to choose a security code between 0001 and 9999 and send it to the number of your choice #kimbhoApp pic.twitter.com/YQqK8lfIeI
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 30, 2018
This @KimbhoApp is a joke, next time before making press statements, hire competent developers… If it is not clear, for the moment don’t install this app. #Kimbho #KimbhoApp pic.twitter.com/wLWzO6lhSR
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 30, 2018
Ok, I will stop here. The #Kimbho #android #app is a security disaster. I can access the messages of all the users…
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 30, 2018
Some users also revealed that the description was copied from another messenger app bolomessenger.com. Besides, the feedback section of the app was filled with negative comments and people.
It is build on an app called “BOLO”. Kimbho team is so dumb that they didnt even changed the OTP SMS format!! Even the description n pics used are same as Bolo app! https://t.co/QKGjYC1y2J pic.twitter.com/40yRxZKbLX
— Abhishek Singh (@ThakurrSaab) May 31, 2018
Interestingly it was the official page of Kimbho that announced the launch and even claimed it as a Swadeshi messenger that would compete with WhatsApp. However, when so many security issues came to light the spokesperson said that it was just a trial run and the launch will be scheduled later.