Is PING the Next Skype or a Data Grab?

When a company like NEXT starts pushing a new messaging platform across all its channels as the next Skype, it naturally raises eyebrows. Skype is a household name with a long-established history and stepping into its shoes is no small feat. So, what exactly is PING and why is it being marketed so aggressively?

After some digging, a few surprising things popped up. The company behind PING, Ping Live Limited, seems almost invisible. Registered in Gibraltar (a well-known jurisdiction for online gaming and fintech) its presence outside of its website and marketing materials is nearly nonexistent.

Even more intriguing is the fact that PING is led by Agnė Galvelytė, a Lithuanian lawyer currently based in France, rather than someone with a background in tech or messaging platforms. Her connection to a company formation service called Sparta suggests the possibility that she’s merely a nominee rather than the true driving force behind PING.

Which brings us to the bigger question: Who is really behind PING and what is its actual purpose?

A Messaging App Built with… Stream?

One curious detail on the PING website is the mention of Stream; a well-known software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider that allows companies to quickly build messaging platforms, social networks, or even a Twitter clone. This raises an obvious question:

Is PING a custom-built, security-focused platform as claimed, or simply a prepackaged service from Stream with a new logo slapped on it?

If PING is relying on Stream’s back-end infrastructure, it could be little more than a white-labeled product, meaning that PING itself may not even own or control the technology behind its so-called “secure” messaging.

Security vs. Data Collection

The marketing emphasizes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and compliance with ISO 27001, GDPR and CCPA, but what actual security guarantees does the company provide?

PING’s business model remains a mystery. How is this brand-new company funding development, maintenance and growth? A secure, encrypted messaging service without ads or subscription fees needs some kind of revenue stream; so where is the money coming from? If it’s not a paid service, then who or what is really being monetized?

The most obvious answer? User data.

PING requires users to verify their identities before joining its professional iGaming network. If this verification process involves linking phone numbers, email addresses, LinkedIn profiles, or other data sources, then PING is sitting on a highly valuable database of industry contacts and communications.

Is PING Really a “NEXT” Product?

Adding to the confusion, cryptic comments from Ross Stattford, a Relationship Manager at NEXT, suggest something bigger in the works. He recently teased:

“But wait a couple of days to hear more about it.”

So, is NEXT actually running PING behind the scenes? Or is it just a promotional partner? The lack of transparency makes it difficult to tell whether this is a legitimate industry solution or a data-harvesting scheme with a marketing spin.

Should You Trust PING?

The iGaming industry has seen its fair share of data breaches, scams and regulatory loopholes, so skepticism is always warranted. PING is positioning itself as a Skype replacement, but right now, it’s more of a black box than a transparent alternative.

Until more details emerge, a few critical questions remain unanswered:

• Who actually owns and controls Ping Live Limited?
• Why is a Gibraltar-based company being fronted by a Lithuanian lawyer with no background in messaging apps?
• If Stream is providing the infrastructure, what does that mean for user privacy?
• What’s the long-term business model? How is PING making money?
• Is this really a Next product, or is it simply being promoted by them?

Without clear answers, anyone considering moving their industry communications to PING should think carefully about what they might be signing up for.

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FAQs

What is PING, and how is it different from Skype?
PING is a messaging platform marketed as a secure alternative to Skype, but questions remain about its transparency and ownership.

Who is behind Ping Live Limited?
Ping Live Limited is registered in Gibraltar, but its leadership and true ownership remain unclear.

Why is PING being promoted so aggressively?
PING is being pushed as a professional iGaming network, but its business model and funding sources are still unknown.

Does PING use its own technology?
PING appears to rely on Stream, a SaaS provider, raising doubts about its security claims and technological independence.

Is PING really secure and private?
While PING claims end-to-end encryption, its reliance on third-party infrastructure questions the extent of its security.

What user data does PING collect?
PING requires identity verification, potentially gathering phone numbers, emails, and LinkedIn profiles from users.

How does PING make money?
With no ads or subscription fees, PING’s business model is unclear, leading to concerns about potential data monetization.

Is PING officially linked to NEXT?
NEXT heavily promotes PING, but it’s uncertain whether they own it or are just acting as a marketing partner.

Should iGaming professionals trust PING?
Given the lack of transparency, iGaming professionals should be cautious before using PING for sensitive communications.

What are the biggest concerns about PING?
Key concerns include its unclear ownership, reliance on third-party tech, data collection practices, and undisclosed revenue model.