Germany's data chief tells ministries WhatsApp is a no-go

Post by ClikeX » Thu, May 28, 2020, 7:39 AM UTC

overheadnoise wrote: post #166

ClikeX wrote: post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In the Netherlands it was the platform that was easy to install and didn't cost money per message. SMS was pretty expensive back then. Whatsapp quickly became the defacto messaging app. The word "whatsapping" even replaced "sms'ing". At this point in time you need Whatsapp (Or Messenger when you don't have their number yet) The only time I get an SMS now is for specific multi-factor authentications or automated updat…

What about just “apping” is that a word? On a business trip earlier this year my colleague told me (in English) “I’ll meet you down at the bar after apping with my daughter.” Now that I think about it I’m not sure if “apping” implies texting, voice call, or video call. Lol

They do use "apping" as a shorthand sometimes. Dutch people abbreviate a lot.

Usually it's "I'll send you a Whatsappie", "I'll whatsapp you" or "I'll app you".

Post by ClikeX » Thu, May 28, 2020, 7:47 AM UTC

jacquesm wrote: post #219

ClikeX wrote: post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In the Netherlands it was the platform that was easy to install and didn't cost money per message. SMS was pretty expensive back then. Whatsapp quickly became the defacto messaging app. The word "whatsapping" even replaced "sms'ing". At this point in time you need Whatsapp (Or Messenger when you don't have their number yet) The only time I get an SMS now is for specific multi-factor authentications or automated updat…

The fact that an SMS costs money is a feature. That way people will think twice before they SMS you. Free communications is only great if you have infinite time to communicate, as the cost of a bit approaches zero the quantity of bits goes up considerably. Things that before would have been fine to save up until you meet again now need to be sent instantly, and need to receive an instant response as well otherwise th…

I agree to a point. The barrier is something I miss sometimes. Because people will be asking something, and then start spamming question marks after 5 minutes.

If you're on a pre-paid plan then SMS doesn't just cost money. It's actually a finite amount you can send before you need to up it. Whereas Whatsapp can function on WiFi. So that can be a big deal if you have urgency.

> I don't like non-regulated foreign companies looking over my shoulder

I mean sure. You have to trust Facebook that the end-to-end encryption has no backdoors. But SMS is known for being intercepted really easyily.

Re: Germany's data chief tells ministries WhatsApp is a no-go

Re: Germany's data chief tells ministries WhatsApp is a no-go