Russians using prank mobile app to make real denunciations of their compatriots
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Vladimir, an IT specialist from Russia who left for Europe, thought it would be fun to create a prank app, to help Russian citizens “denounce” their compatriots, as a joke.
So that’s what he did, calling it “My Donos” (My Denunciation), Russian independent online edition Poligon Media reported on Aug. 10.
However, the prank got out of hand as many Russians did not understand it was a joke, and started making real denunciations on their neighbors, colleagues, or just people they’d taken a dislike to.
“If you type ‘donos’ on Google Play, you will be invited to download the app with the ‘My Donos’ logo, which is very similar to ‘public services,’” Poligon Media journalists report.
“Despite the fact that the app description states that it’s ‘not associated with government agencies’ and is intended for entertainment, many people consider it serious and start using it.”
For its part, the Telegram messenger Mozhem obyasnit (We can explain), which had the relevant database at its disposal, has posted several illustrative examples of denunciations.
“I told my son that this old bastard (most likely, he meant Russian dictator Vladimir Putin) would lead us to The Hague.”
“Why are these bastards walking on our land, send them to the special military operation!”
“I’m asking to send Alexei to serve in the special military operation. There were attempts to hand him two military summonses, but he ignored them. I recommend sending him an electronic summons through state services. This person has combat experience in Chechnya.”
“Such a young man, but already against Putin’s policy, calling on all Russians to lay down their arms in Ukraine and go into captivity!”
In total, about 100 real denunciations have already been submitted since the app was launched.
At the same time, Vladimir hopes that such denunciations will not turn into criminal cases.
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