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WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

reuters.com

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Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#181

Post by jariel »

Mediterraneo10 wrote: post #101
pmlnr wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I'm so disappointed in this. Whatsapp is a functional tool. It was successful since it worked. One decade ago: s/Whatapp/Skype/g s/Facebook/Microsoft/g

The niche that Whatsapp filled and which brought it to massive adoption was not the same as Skype's. In South America (and Asia, too, if I understand correctly), Whatsapp was a way to avoid SMS charges on your mobile phone. Because now it is the only way many acquaintances and businesses can be contacted, it will remain entrenched even with this hostile new privacy policy. Skype, on the other hand, was about audio- o…

WhatsApp was free SMS in South America where it was expensive.

Skype was cheap long distance and low-cost mobile in Europe where it was expensive.

Both of those things were/are stupidly expensive in those respective locations.

Skype blew up pre-smartphone explosion.

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#182

Post by Cd00d »

bkirkby wrote: post #132

In the stickiness of whatsapp, I caused something of a stir with my family. After the prev announcement and having a general distrust of facebook that had grown over the years, I deleted my Facebook account and made the announcement in the family whatsapp group that I was leaving whatsapp and they could join me on signal if they wished. I then deleted my whatsapp account. There was much wailing and grumpiness and som…

That's interesting. I had the opposite experience. I told all my text-chain friends and family that I was leaving WhatsApp and invited them to Signal. All of them had moved over within 2 days.

Though, most of those people I motivated to move to WhatsApp years ago when I wanted to switch from iPhone to Android. So, it's already a specific group.

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#183

Post by foolmeonce »

newswasboring wrote: post #138
tchalla wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> When FB bought WhatsApp and Instagram they made explicit promises to regulators not to do this in order to get permission Do you have copy of those legal binding promises?

Even if its not legally binding, even if they have said something like this in press it would be interesting to know. I cannot find anything though.

If I remember correctly, FB said everything behind closed doors to Signal's leadership and had them blog and handle PR about how much reassurance they received that nothing would change. This is probably why Acton became the largest donor to Signal.

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#184

Post by pkulak »

xyzzy_plugh wrote: post #168
pkulak wrote: post #148

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Somewhat the same for me, though I'm in a bit later stage than you are. I moved my family to Signal as well, but we all got a bit frustrated with the lack of features. No (good) Chromebook support, no message editing, the HARD requirement on owning a phone (which locked out my kids), no message history or even a way to backup messages, etc. A few weeks ago I spun up a tiny EC2 instance, threw a matrix server on it, a…

These at great points about Signal I hadn't considered. Maybe I'll run a matrix server too. How does the experience compare to e.g. whatsapp?

I haven't used WhatsApp much, I've just co-opted this whole thing to move people off SMS. But, comparing Element now to WhatsApp when I used it years ago, Element is more polished with more features.

It's dead easy to download the app and sign up on Matrix.org though, just to test it all out before you go through the trouble of setting up your own homeserver.

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#185

Post by tsukurimashou »

smhg wrote: post #72
tambourine_man wrote: post #41

It's really hard for me to understand why and how something fails or succeeds to grab the public's attention. I've been complaining and refusing to use WhatsApp for years, mostly because it's centralized at the worst possible company. But a boycott of one is not a powerful move and no one cared. Now, for whatever reason, nothing has effectively changed and millions suddenly care. I mean, I'm glad they finally do, do…

Over here (in Belgium and The Netherlands at least) so many neighborhoods have signs promoting local WhatsApp groups, complete with the logo [0]. Often to 'prevent crime'. Local municipalities install and pay for them. It is so awkward to see. [0] https://cdn.nieuws.nl/media/sites/305/2016/05/14195316/Borde...

I was a bit "shocked" by that when I moved to the Netherlands, everyone there uses it and the government seems to have a responsibility in that. Between the signs like you said and the possibility to contact town hall to take an appointment and other government related services via Whatsapp (I can certainly get why people use it, because it's much more convenient that having to make a phone call).

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#186

Post by fartcannon »

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.

Bah, what friends are they that ignore someone because they don't have Facebook or believe in a better future for everyone. Better off without them, in my opinion. As I mentioned, they just move on to the next worse thing and the cycle of stupid choices continues.

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#187

Post by lxgr »

quantummkv wrote: post #178
dillondoyle wrote: post #170

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah I don't understand the outrage? It brings more functionality like Messenger to interface with businesses - which I have found value in. For instance United service there was quicker and better than using the phone line to change/re-book flights. Maybe I'm missing something?

The outrage is due to Facebook being involved. No one (very rightfully) trusts Facebook with their data. I doubt there would have been any outrage at this level if an independent WhatsApp was doing this.

> The outrage is due to Facebook being involved.

Does that make spreading what's effectively disinformation ok, though?

I'd argue that there are more than enough angles to legitimately criticize Facebook. Why make one up?

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#188

Post by Bakary »

qznc wrote: post #18
Bluestein wrote: post #2

They waited 'till the news cycle waned, and then did whatever they pleased anyway. Par for the course ...

My hope is that this triggers a second backlash.

But we just got proof that backlashes can be ignored, so what's the point?

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#189

Post by Bakary »

ulzeraj wrote: post #93
minikites wrote: post #36

The free market continues to reward Facebook, so this move must be good. I can't wait to see what the free market has in store next!

Please refrain to use cheap politic slogans. You are not forced to use Facebook stuff. Use Signal, Threema, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Snapchat, Matrix. Create your own. As much as I don't like Facebook's wechat its not like you are forced to use their application out of obligation or lack of options.

It's not technically forced, but in practice you are often at the mercy of specific apps for many interactions. In many regions, not having Whatsapp or Messenger or WeChat can cause you all sorts of grief and annoyances.

Re: WhatsApp to move ahead with privacy update despite backlash

#190

Post by CA0DA »

pmlnr wrote: post #90

A group of my friends asked to set up a groupchat recently, our requirements varied. Among them: - needs to be simple (not all of them are techies) - need to be possible to run on desktop without any mobile need - not Facebook (my requirement) So I went and set an XMPP server up on the same machine I have my email and webserver, and wrote a quick guide on how to install blabber.im (a Conversations fork), and register…

why did you not go with a self hosted matrix (aka element.io)?
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