this post was submitted on 08 Jun 2024
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Privacy

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Is it worth waiting for WhatsApp interoperability anymore ? Is it ever coming ? (lemmy.sdf.org)
submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by Psych@lemmy.sdf.org to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
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I really need to get in contact with some people on WA and have some groups to join and have been waiting for interoperability to get going so I don't have to use zuck's app . But the said date march has long passed and I can't find shit on it or why it didn't happen anywhere . I have yesterday downloaded the apk from WA's official site and is in half a heart to install it . I know everything I say there should be considered public but besides that and the app knowing my IP and contacts is there any hidden data collection I should be aware of ? Or should I wait some more which I don't think I can as am loosing patience lol . Also will it even be global or support apps that are really privacy focused unlike the usual suspects like TG or signal ?

Edit : Seems like I have to suck up to Meta as our lizard lord intended . As WhatsApp is ad free (to my knowledge) it is all but confirmed they are selling data . In my opinion Meta is more evil than google as google is at least taking some hits and hosting things on lose that we can access without making them a dime (newpipe -youtube, google search engine - unlock with firefox) and they fund Firefox and maintain AOSP, meanwhile all meta do is making their service a thing which we can't leave and steal fuckin everything they do absolutely no good whatsoever and have no redeeming qualities and people or laws don't give them enough shit for it . People may say "if you don't like meta just don't use it" well guess what we can't stop it as almost everything needs their platforms nowadays . Sorry that turned into a rant figured .

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[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

What's the point of this? You still have a Meta account, they still have your phone #, and they still collect all the metadata from said account.

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Many reasons:

  1. you can disable background updates, wifi and mobile data, location, etc. which renders the app useless. They cant collect directly from the phone that way.
  2. I have one app for all my messaging needs. No need to switch
  3. i will always ask for matrix communication first which takes meta out of the loop
  4. i have friends who arent tech savvy or ready to switch so I am not forced to use whatsapp
  5. its a fun exercise and I provide feedback for the makers of the bridges which helps development
[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

you can disable background updates, wifi and mobile data, location, etc. which renders the app useless. They cant collect directly from the phone that way.

...why not just uninstall the app altogether at that point?

Most privacy concerns don't stem from any of that anyway, it stems from the metadata in your messages. Who you're talking to, when, how often, etc.

I have one app for all my messaging needs.

I mean I guess that's true if you only use 2 messaging platforms?

i will always ask for matrix communication first which takes meta out of the loop

You can do that without bridges.

i have friends who arent tech savvy or ready to switch so I am not forced to use whatsapp

...but you are using WhatsApp. It's not just an app, it's a service.

its a fun exercise

If this is what you find fun, more power to you. Just don't be under the illusion that this increases privacy even a little.

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com -1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I'm somewhat appreciative of the neutral tone you use in your comment but I'm kind of taken aback by the fact that you seem to think i wanted an answer to the points I made. I find it very rude to try and take apart someones reasoning which was given in good faith. If I wanted your opinion on that, I would have asked.

I can see that it is not what you would do and I you dont seem to understand my reasons for doing what I do. I dont mind that. What I do mind is unsolicited critique or advice.

Have a good day.

[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I wasn't trying to "take apart your reasoning". You are under false impressions, and spreading false impressions to others.

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com -2 points 5 months ago (2 children)

It’s great that you can form your own opinions. You should really refrain from pushing your opinions on others though.

Good bye.

[–] helenslunch@feddit.nl 3 points 5 months ago

This is not an opinion.

[–] user@lemmy.world 0 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

Firstly, they did not push anything on you. And this is the internet and a discussion focused site at that. You should either accept that people can reply to you without you granting them the right to do so, or reconsider participating within public discourse, for your own wellbeing.

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com -1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

And another one! I‘m on a roll recently!

[–] user@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago

Sorry to hear that.