ringID[6] is a controversial social networking platform designed and developed by Ring Inc. located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ringID allows users to communicate for free using their individual ID globally over the internet. It was initially released in July 2015.[7]
 | |
| Developer(s) | Ring Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | July 2015 |
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows NT |
| Available in | English, Bangla[4] |
| Type | Instant messaging, social networking, VoIP |
| License | Freeware[5] |
| Website | ringid |
It has been called a Ponzi scheme and criticized for not allowing users to cash out. In September 2021, an embezzlement case was filed in Bangladesh against 25 people, including two founders of the company.[8] One founder was arrested for embezzling funds.
History
editringID was initially released in July 2015 by Ring Inc.,[9] with video calling features added in 2016.[10] More features were added with the goal of providing a single platform to cater to all social networking needs.
Features
editringID was conceptualized as an all-in-one social networking platform.[11] The platform can be used for live broadcasting,[12] voice and video calls, messaging, and content sharing.[13]
Users can delete messages from both their device and the receiver's.[14] They can also send instant messages to recipients which are deleted automatically once the predefined time is over.[15]
Criticism and complaints
editThe Business Standard has accused RingID of being a Ponzi scheme because it pays users for bringing in more users and for watching advertisements.[16] In September 2021, The Business Standard reported that users were not able to cash out, which it characterized as embezzlement.[17] In total 21.2 million taka were allegedly embezzled.[8] A case was filed against 25 people, including RingID owners, under the Digital Security Act and the Multi-Level Marketing Control Act.[17]
Two company founders were arrested in December 2016 in connection with an unpaid fees case filed by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The two moved to Canada while out on bail.[8]
In October 2021, one founder was remanded in jail by a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate,[18] after his arrest on charges of misappropriating Tk200 crore in three months by luring people to ringID's investment scheme and promising online income.[19][20]
Notable here that RingID did not pay wages to hundreds of software developers between 2017 and 2019. One victim said that the company owes him over two hundred thousand of BDT and he has given up any hope of getting money back as it is run by a Mafia group.
References
edit- ^ "ringID - Live, Voice & Chat". App Store. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
- ^ "ringID - Live Broadcasting, Free Video Call & Chat - Apps on Google Play". play.google.com. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
- ^ "Get ringID". Microsoft.
- ^ ringID app for Android
- ^ "ringID's Privacy Policy". Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
- ^ "ringID".
- ^ "Can Canadian ringID become the next big social app?". GeekTime. Archived from the original on April 9, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
- ^ a b c "RingID embezzled Tk 212cr in 3 months". October 3, 2021.
- ^ "Social Networking App ringID Offers Secret Chat for Disappearing Messages". AdWeek. July 27, 2015. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
- ^ "Spotlight: ringID messenger promises quality HD video calls over slow connections". PhoneArena. February 16, 2016. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
- ^ "Forget Unbundling, ringID Brings the Most Powerful Mobile Messaging and Social Features Together". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
- ^ "ringID live is some next level stuff when it comes to live broadcasting". TheTechNews. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
- ^ "The last social network you'll ever need to join?". TechInAsia. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ "Secret Chat App ringID Will Self Destruct Your Messages". iDigitalTimes. Archived from the original on March 23, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
- ^ "SOCIAL NETWORK PLATFORM RINGID PLANNING TO REPLACE SNAPCHAT". AppMess. August 3, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
- ^ "RingID: Another Ponzi business thrives". September 22, 2021.
- ^ a b Sajid, Eyamin; Chowdhury, Zia (September 30, 2021). "ringID embezzled Tk302 crore in just three months". Retrieved April 2, 2022.
- ^ "ringID Director Saiful lands in jail". Rising BD. October 5, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
- ^ Bin Liaquat, Zisan (December 30, 2021). "E-commerce in Bangladesh faced its own pandemic in 2021". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
- ^ "ringID Director Saiful arrested". The Business Standard. October 2, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2022.