151–160 of 241 posts
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Not without breaking said laws
Linking devices is one of the standard permissions normally. So if you give permission in one window and don't say anything in another, it probably counts as permission for both.
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If something is paid for- you're the product.
Interesting. How so?
While there is an argument for a product needing a revenue stream to survive, paying for a product clearly does not save you from ads and data collection. The company is there like Bilbo Baggins, holding the One Ring, and asking itself, "After all, why shouldn't I have both revenue from the customer and the ad revenue?"
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In terms of Facebook where I live, "Well don't just use their services then" is simply impossible. Almost all of my kids' sports activities and parent groups are on WhatsApp, I have to use it.
Even without the privacy issues it is insane that you are forced to do business with certain corporations in order to fully participate in society. But most people don't care or open alternatives would be more popular.
I disagree with your premise.
Whatsapp wasn't always owned by FB/Meta. It had a huge user base then got bought out.
Alternatives like Signal are popular, but it's hard to overcome inertia. Give them time.
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Yes, I continue to use WhatsApp because I have fear of missing out. Missing out on conversations from my extended family, friends (only about 1/4 use Signal and all groups are on WhatsApp), work (the Health Service in Ireland literally runs on WhatsApp), voluntary undertakings (all of which are organised on WhatsApp), organising stuff for the kids (again all on WhatsApp). So it's a valid fear based on the reality in…
Interested in a bit more context re Ireland Health Service - how does this work with older people / those in remote areas?
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In terms of Facebook where I live, "Well don't just use their services then" is simply impossible. Almost all of my kids' sports activities and parent groups are on WhatsApp, I have to use it.
Even without the privacy issues it is insane that you are forced to do business with certain corporations in order to fully participate in society. But most people don't care or open alternatives would be more popular.
Another way of thinking of it is that the value that Meta/Mastercard/Virgin/other companies that fit that description provide is so substantial that they have become intertwined with society.
The reality is likely somewhere in the middle IMO
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In terms of Facebook where I live, "Well don't just use their services then" is simply impossible. Almost all of my kids' sports activities and parent groups are on WhatsApp, I have to use it.
WhatsApp is the one app that I continue to use by them. Aren't they only able to collect meta-data on the conversations and not see any of the texts themselves? Also, no ads yet, so that's a win for me. Everytime I've tried moving people over to Signal/Telegram, etc. we try it for a week and then go back to WhatApp because of so many other groups on there....
Ha!
I so don't trust Meta.
I wouldn't put it past them to double encrypt your messages and split it off at the server.
Edit: Clarification: Encrypt your plaintext twice, append it, split it off at the server. Send your message on to recipient and decrypt it themselves for their processing enjoyment.
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And to be honest, I realize that, and I'm absolutely fine with it. Maybe some won't be, but the path of idealism isn't always the most convenient.
Taking the consequences works fine if you're not responsible for anyone but yourself. "Sorry kids, you aren't going to your friends parties or playing sports with them because my ideals conflict with your reality" is not a tenable position.
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Yes, I continue to use WhatsApp because I have fear of missing out. Missing out on conversations from my extended family, friends (only about 1/4 use Signal and all groups are on WhatsApp), work (the Health Service in Ireland literally runs on WhatsApp), voluntary undertakings (all of which are organised on WhatsApp), organising stuff for the kids (again all on WhatsApp). So it's a valid fear based on the reality in…
> the Health Service in Ireland literally runs on WhatsApp This part is terrifying: does Ireland not have the equivalent of HSR (UK, in combination with a patchwork of other legislation) or HIPAA?
This is still a bit insane to me. If I understand correct, you have to fill a form with a justification why you object, and then Meta will decide if you can be removed from the detailed data collection ? Privacy is a basic human right, and the strawman argument of "Well don't just use their services then" is ridiculous with their influence. Also them touting to "connected the world" When in reality is "connecting to…
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Even without the privacy issues it is insane that you are forced to do business with certain corporations in order to fully participate in society. But most people don't care or open alternatives would be more popular.
This isn't unique to WhatsApp/Meta though. Many banks require a smartphone running unrooted Android or iOS. Visa/Mastercard(and AMEX I guess) have a polyopoly(?) on cashless transactions, and have done for my entire life. Many government services here in the UK are provided by private corporations, and have been for a very long time. Another way of thinking of it is that the value that Meta/Mastercard/Virgin/other co…
how's that working out?
asking for a friend who thinks that for-profit healthcare was a step in the wrong direction.