WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

Post by levosmetalo » Fri, Feb 19, 2021, 4:38 PM UTC

throwaway123x2 wrote: post #141

egwor wrote: post #14

I'm so disappointed in this. Whatsapp is a functional tool. It was successful since it worked. Facebook has entirely failed to utilise it - to allow external systems to connect in so that businesses can do business on there. The voice calls are also a disaster. They've now come along to start messing with the privacy to start selling ads. It is insane that they're able to make such a mess of this. Is there a word for…

Whatsapp voice calls are pretty much the only way I can communicate with foreign family. Actually even locally, sometimes whatsapp calls are much better over wifi than cell calls over towers, it's kind of ridiculous. I don't even bother calling frequent contacts over cell any more.

Post by Arathorn » Fri, Feb 19, 2021, 4:43 PM UTC

pmlnr wrote: post #109

przmk wrote: post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There is history delivery on first connect on Matrix whenever I set-up a new device. I don't think XMPP has any future. It's a hassle to set-up and I have yet to see a really modern looking client. Blabber does not fit that at all.

> There is history delivery on first connect on Matrix whenever I set-up a new device. Not for encrypted rooms. -- EDIT: XMPP has https://xmpp.org/extensions/xep-0313.html which can deliver history for the clients that support it. I just haven't set it up.

Post by conradev » Fri, Feb 19, 2021, 4:44 PM UTC

pera wrote: post #108

saddlerustle wrote: post #3

It's absurd this article doesn't try to describe what the changes actually are . The privacy policy change doesn't functionally change anything about what data is collected or shared with Facebook. Metadata collection for ad targeting has been allowed by the privacy policy since 2016.

In 2016 WhatsApp let users opt-out of Facebook data sharing with third parties by just checking a box in Account Settings [1]. Most of my friends and family did opt-out. Now, as far as I understand, they are being "forced to opt-in" by accepting the new ToS and Privacy Policy or, otherwise, getting locked out. 1 - https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/25/whatsapp-to-share-user-dat...

Post by samizdis » Fri, Feb 19, 2021, 4:47 PM UTC

VMG wrote: post #76

popol12 wrote: post #4

Meanwhile I've switched my family and friend to Signal with great success.

Do you still have Whatsapp installed? I have seen family and friends _add_ Signal but few actually _removing_ Whatsapp from their phone. Which is not a success.

Post by levosmetalo » Fri, Feb 19, 2021, 4:53 PM UTC

secfirstmd wrote: post #103

fartcannon wrote: post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're not alone. I have been doing the same, but not just WhatsApp, also Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple.. Any company that abuses it's power to lock down, sell data from or attempt to control their users. It's often pretty lonely. Ive had friends simply stop talking with me. Ive been left out of weddings, birthdays, etc. I guess it's like trying to be a vegan at a BBQ. Worst part is that when what Id feared come…

Dont you think that maybe you are taking things a bit far if you are losing lots of friends over it? What's your threat model? You can bridge a number of these services if you want. Or use a locked down device for them. FAANG privacy crap causing you to lose friends is kinda letting them win a bit too much.