is the CleanMyMac a genuine program recognised by Apple?

CMM is a genuine program tho I have no idea what "recognised" by Apple might mean. It's certainly not associated with Apple in any way.

However, it belongs to a category of app that exists solely to separate the unwary from their cash. Not only does it do little that actually needs doing, in inexperienced hands it can actually do quite a bit of damage.

You don't need any app to "maintain', 'tune up' or 'speed up' your Mac. You don't need an anti-virus app as these can actually interfere with the Mac's own built in security.

So, avoid.

No it is not and NO you cannot trust it!!!!!!! CMM is considered malware by experienced users and should be avoided at all cost.

In addition, Mac do not require nor do they benefit from any type of third party antivirus, cleaning or ANY other third party "maintenance" apps. If simply kept up-to-date and otherwise left alone Mac OS will remain stable, secure and run trouble free for years.

If you are experiencing problems of some sort please do the following:

Please navigate to the Mac App Store and download the free version of EtreCheck OR please click www.EtreCheck.com where you will find the app. Once you downloaded the free app and created the report please post it as your reply to this message. In order to post it, please use the following link for more detailed instructions on how to correctly include the results: 

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211

We can then look for obvious issues that may be causing your problem.

This app is genuine GARBAGE! Do not trust it, it is not supported by Apple. MacOS do not need "third Party" antivirus, or cleaner app!

No and BIG NO!

NOT by a longshot!

Stay well away from CleanMyMac!

random internet popups from such programs who say you have X virus's or the likes are always scams

it's not possible for a website to get that sort of system information even if you did have X virus's