Facebook reportedly researching ways to use encrypted WhatsApp messages for ads

Maybe they plan on making the encryption slightly less encrypted so they can tell something about the content? Would that not mean the encryption is basically pointless?

Re: Facebook reportedly researching ways to use encrypted WhatsApp messages for ads

#8

Post by Ensorceled » Wed, Aug 04, 2021, 3:19 PM UTC

WhyNotHugo wrote: post #3

> [...] is hoped to allow companies to read information from encrypted sets of data while also preserving privacy [...] These tow items sound mutually exclusive.

I don't know, how could figuring out the message is about arranging an extramarital affair or discussing cancer treatment options with your spouse be an invasion of privacy.

/s

This stuff is so obvious that it's obviously just willfull at this point.

Re: Facebook reportedly researching ways to use encrypted WhatsApp messages for ads

#9

Post by Infinitesimus » Wed, Aug 04, 2021, 3:20 PM UTC

This seems like a good thing for FB and users (isn't that why researchers playing with homomorphic encryption more and more)?

This way, FB gets to make money off ads with fewer privacy concerns.

I have no insider knowledge but I fully expect Apple, Google and MS are actively trying to do this too.

Re: Facebook reportedly researching ways to use encrypted WhatsApp messages for ads

#10

Post by tmcb » Wed, Aug 04, 2021, 3:20 PM UTC

WhyNotHugo wrote: post #3

> [...] is hoped to allow companies to read information from encrypted sets of data while also preserving privacy [...] These tow items sound mutually exclusive.

Not only that, but if they can generate meaningful targeted advertising from encrypted data, that would be pretty a strong indicator that the encryption method is not strong enough. Ideally, encrypted data must be indistinguishable from random noise.