WhatsApp Introduces Controversial Changes; Musk Responds: „Use Signal”
The new regulations of WhatsApp messenger will enable the app to send user data to Facebook. The decision caused a lot of controversy on the web, and Elon Musk encouraged dissatisfied users to use competitive Signal.
The popular messender app WhatsApp is preparing a significant change in terms and conditions. From February 8, users from outside Europe will have to agree to send data to Facebook (WhatsApp's owner since 2014). So far, this has been a voluntary decision of the users, but as the updated terms and conditions enter into force, we will either agree or lose access to the application. The data collected in this way will be used, how else, to personalize the ads and content proposed by Facebook.
At least this is how it looks almost everywhere around the world. In Europe things look a little different. On the Old Continent users will also have to accept the new regulations, but there is no point about WhatsApp's cooperation with Facebook. This was confirmed by Niamh Sweeney from WhatApp's Irish branch in a Twitter post. But things are not that simple. If we read the official announcement about changes, there are still a lot of references to Facebook
"In addition, some businesses might be working with third-party service providers (which may include Facebook) to help manage their communications with their customers. For example, a business may give such third-party service provider access to its communications to send, store, read, manage or otherwise process them for the business."
"We work with third-party service providers and other Facebook Companies to help us operate, provide, improve, understand, customise, support, and market our Services."
"As part of the Facebook Companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, the other Facebook Companies to promote safety, security, and integrity across the Facebook Company Products, e.g., to fight spam, threats, abuse, or infringement activities."
It also confirmed that end-to-end call encryption has not been abandoned and that the changes are intended to enable companies to store app data within the common Facebook infrastructure. However, this was not enough to stop the wave of dissatisfaction that swept through the Internet. The fact that the app which so far (and even now) boasted of respecting the users' privacy will from now on share their data (including phone numbers, session time and length, device location, etc.) has not been warmly welcomed not only by serial internet users. Elon Musk commeneted on the matter with the following short Tweet, in which he encouraged to use Signal. Earlier, he did not fail to recall the age-old meme on respecting users' privacy by Facebook.
He is by no means alone in this opinion. There are numerous articles, posts and tips across the web, offering (or even praising) alternatives to WhatsApp: Telegram and the aforementioned Signal. There are also other apps (including those requiring a monthly subscription), but only in individual mentions.
