Re: “Localhost tracking” explained. It could cost Meta 32 billion.

On 15/6/25 12:15 am, Richmond wrote:

"Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> writes:
 

On 2025-06-14 21:50, Marion wrote:

On Sat, 14 Jun 2025 19:57:41 +0200, Carlos E.R. wrote :
 

I'm sorry to say that about everybody in Spain uses WhatsApp, even
businesses. Like the Bank. It is what it is.  >> Please ignore
Joerg. He feels compelled to ROTFWL on every thread.  >> He has
nothing to add. He's a worthless despicable human being.  >>
Now... as for your point - I agree with you since I agree with >>
anyone who >> makes a sensible logical statement.  >> Even I use
WhatsApp. And I care about privacy.  >> So I'm happy you (and
Richmond) brought this up.  >> I don't understand the implications,
but I can tell others that I >> use >> WhatsApp for two sensible
reasons, one of which is that it's what all my >> relatives use on
their mobile phones in Germany. So it's what works since >> calling
them would cost me an arm and a leg with international prices.  >>
The other reason is the parents of both my great grandchildren use

Apple >> devices, so everything is blurry without using something

like WhatsApp.  >> Sure, another messenger would work, but so does
WhatsApp.  >> Caveat in the sig.

>
That WhatsApp has been affected by this security leak is still
unclear. The author of the article I posted doesn't know. Facebook and
Instagram yes, certainly. But WhatsApp promises encrypted
communications are kept private, end to end encryption. Listening to
them would be a major breach of trust (except with a court
order). This is not the same with Facebook, which is intended to
publish things.

 The point is, whatsapp is closed source, it could be doing other things
beside sending your messages. It could be snooping on other things and
sending that data elsewhere. Meta has now demonstrated it doesn't worry
too much about the law. Do you want that software on your phone? or are
you going to wait for the next thing to be discovered?
 

This morning WhatsApp was pestering me to add my email address to my details for "security." As it has no need for it whatever, your point my well be very valid. I've had several uninvited messages of late from the "official" WhatsApp account looking for more data - so I've blocked it to get as bit of peace and quiet. Sadly, all our none-computer-savvy friends and relatives use WhatsApp, so if we want to stay in touch with them we can't avoid it.
--
Tetbury, Gloucestershirel, UK
Experience is something one learns just after one needed it most.