Today, WhatsApp has updated its privacy policy for the first time since the company’s acquisition by Facebook back in 2014. As you might imagine, there’s now a bit of cross over between the two platforms.
Full Article: http://www.androidauthority.com/whatsapp-to-share-phone-no-facebook-712556/
WhatsApp alternatives:
- Signal - https://whispersystems.org/
- Telegram - https://telegram.me
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Zero surprise here.
Use Signal, or even LibreSignal (no call support though, long story) if you have no google services in your device.
+5% for the Signal recommendation.
the only thing I do not like about signal is that it requires a mobile no (and lacks group support?)
Group support has been there for a long time.
I get you re the phone number requirement, but that is indeed what has made it gain widespread adoption outside of tech communities - you do not need anything else, just a phone number.
It is very easy to "work around" the privacy implications, with about $10: pick your favorite VOIP provider, buy a number, register said number with signal (the SMS will not reach, but once it times out, you can instead receive an automated call.. you see the picture!).
Unfortunately the app does not support multiple profiles / registered numbers, which somewhat limits the effectiveness of this technique -- you could switch users (in android) for different numbers, but that does not scale either.
Great write up. Thank you!
Good to know that there's a workaround, but it's just a workaround :) I'd prefer a second more crypto function...
Sort of like when I signed up for cable service and they sell my new phone number and address to everybody and their Irish Uncle :)
LOL yea
yeh :D
From the begging everybody knew facebook is paying for more inforamtion about people. How else somebody will pay for sth which deosnt brought a dime!
So know they've just admitted to it as far as I am concerned :)
@ash, thanks for the head's up :)
Don't forget Wire (http://wire.com) as an alternative. Outshines both Signal & Telegram by far in terms of features
do you need a mobile number attched to it?
You can sign up with just an e-mail address.
now it's getting interesting.
is it opensource?
does it support groups?
https://github.com/wireapp/wire
Sure does support groups, even for voice
wow... good to know!!
Thanks for the information. Wire is super cool! Upvoted
but facebook already has our phone numbers. If u have noticed, u see the sms in your messenger app
They do not have my real number, at least until now
mine, too. I have made it a habit to check if my phone number is in fb or not.
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point is they made a move today.