You would think that since there are a lot of free apps available on the Google Play Store, people would not need to download and install illegal versions of apps on their devices. But if you want to remove the ads that may interrupt your use but you don’t want to pay the in-app purchase to do so, then you have to install raw .apk files which are of course technically not legal. But Textra SMS does not like that and they have been issuing warnings to those not using the legitimate app.
Even though the app is free, it seems that a lot of people are still installing using third-party sources to avoid the ads, which is really how the app still remains free. But Delicious Inc, the developer of the app will have none of it. Textra has been sending messages through its bots, warning users that they have 3 days to install a legitimate version of the app or else they will be reported to authorities and probably get a fine.
While cracking down on pirated versions of software is a common thing, most of them don’t result into anything really dangerous for the users. The message says that they consider piracy a serious matter, but will Delicious follow through with their “threats”? A representative from Textra said that while there are legal avenues that can be pursued, including DMCA takedown requests and civil proceedings. But what they want to do is to encourage their users to “do the right thing”.
So for those who are still using the not so legal versions of Textra SMS, maybe it would be better if you just download the actual app from the Google Play Store since it’s free anyway. Better be safe than sorry (and prosecuted) later on.
VIA: Torrent Freak
This app is free?! Maybe you didn’t use it if you don’t know about this!