Tech

Everybody's suddenly posting pictures of what they'll look like when they're old — here's how

Key Points
  • Everyone is talking about an app called FaceApp that can apply fun filters to your selfies.
  • It's free if you use a trial and pretty fun.
  • But be sure to delete it and don't give it access to your photo roll.
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Everyone's suddenly posting pictures of what they might look like when they're old. People are posting results on Twitter, and it's provided a few good laughs in our work chat. If you're wondering how they're doing this, it's by using an an app called FaceApp, which is now the top trending free app in the iTunes App Store. You can download and use for free for three days.

The app's privacy policy said it collects the pictures you upload to its service, so keep in mind that it's keeping the selfies you take. Also be warned that one developer, Joshua Nozzi, said in a deleted tweet that it appears the app may try to upload other pictures from your library. If you're concerned about this, don't give it access to your photos when it asks, just access to the camera.

There have also been concerns that the app was made by a Russian developer, sparking fears that the data shared with the app could be sent to the government there. However, the app's developer said this week that the app deletes the data after a couple days.

Here's how to try the filter if you want to get in on the fun:

Open the app and decline the subscription offer

Use the free trial.
Todd Haselton | CNBC

Tap the camera button in the middle of the screen

Don't give it access to your photo library, just your photos.
Todd Haselton | CNBC

Take a picture of yourself and tap 'use' on the bottom, you'll see filters:

Take a picture and choose a filter at the bottom.
Todd Haselton | CNBC

Choose 'old'.. Boom, you get something like this:

A filter that makes me look older.
Todd Haselton | CNBC

Tap more filters, like 'young.' I never looked like this:

I didn't look like this when I was young.
Todd Haselton | CNBC

Mess around, there are some fun ones, like hipster. I think I look good with a beard.

I'm a hipster.
Todd Haselton | CNBC

And, when you're done, delete the app by pressing and holding it on the home screen and then tapping the tiny x.

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