ISIS releases Android app on Google app store

Dark web news site, Vocativ, reports that ISIS has released its first Android app, which allows it to share its radio broadcasts worldwide. The app can be downloaded from the Google app store, but can only be accessed through APK files (used with the Android operating system). The files are reportedly distributed on ISIS-linked social media and forums, allowing those who download the app to listen to its al-Bayan radio broadcast. The station broadcasts music and propaganda, and typically uses the broadcasts to target those in Europe for recruitment. Vocativ also reveals that ISIS is using FM frequencies, which can be accessed in Iraq, Libya and Syria. Ironically, this report comes as Google says it has unveiled a pilot scheme in which its search engine will return anti-radicalisation links to anyone typing in extremism-related words.

Islamic State militants can now share their radio broadcasts all over the world through an Android app, dark-web news site Vocativ reports.

The app cannot be downloaded using the Google store like normal apps, and can only be accessed through APK files (a file format used for installing software on Android operating system), that the group's followers are spreading online.

One ISIS follower shared the link to files from where the app can be downloaded. Screengrab/Twitter

According to deep web analysts at Vocativ, who discovered the app, the files are distributed on Islamic State-linked social media and forums to allow those who download the app to listen to the group's al-Bayan radio broadcast.