WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature – Instant Video Messages!
Here is what you need to know about WhatsApp Instant Video Messages!
WhatsApp Introduces Instant Video Messages!
On 27 July 2023, WhatsApp announced that it is rolling out a new feature – Instant Video Messages!
Instant Video Messages allows you to record and share short videos of up to 60 seconds directly into any WhatsApp chat.
WhatsApp envisions this as a way for people to share personal moments or events, like wishing someone happy birthday, or sharing good news with family and friends.
Think of Instant Video Messages as the video version of the Voice Message feature many people have been using for years to send short voice messages.
All WhatsApp Instant Video Messages are protected with end-to-end encryption to ensure that they can only be viewed by people you send them to.
How To Record + Send WhatsApp Instant Video Messages
If you have used Voice Messages on WhatsApp, then you will be familiar with the method.
Tap on the voice recorder to switch it into video mode.
Tap and hold on the video recorder to record your video message.
You can also Tap and Swipe Up to record your video message in hands-free mode.
The Instant Video Messages that you send will play automatically with audio muted when the recipient views it in the chat. To listen to the audio, the recipient only needs to tap on the video.
When Will WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Appear?
According to WhatsApp, the Instant Video Messages feature have already started rolling out, and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
From what we can determine, you should be able to use Instant Video Messages if you are using:
version 23.15.0 (17 July 2023) for Apple iOS
version 2.23.14.79 (17 July 2023) for Android
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Telcos in Malaysia will soon ban SMS messages with personal information, as part of the MCMC’s initiative to prevent scams! Here is what you need to know!
Malaysia To Ban SMS With Personal Details!
On Sunday, 2 July 2023, four Malaysian telcos – Maxis, Celcom, Digital and U Mobile will ban SMS messages containing personal information , as part of the MCMC’s initiative to prevent scams.
In addition to the May ban of SMS links, both local and international users will be prevented from sending any SMS message containing:
personal details
mobile or fixed line phone number
banking details like account number
MyKad number
All SMS messages containing these forbidden items will not be blocked, but their senders won’t be charged for those blocked messages.
No Ban For SMS With Personal Details Via Short Codes
It should be noted that this ban on SMS messages with personal details do NOT apply to businesses using legitimate Enterprise short codes. They will still be allowed to issue SMS messages with URLs (links), phone numbers, and personal details.
Here are the current Enterprise short codes for Celcom and DIGI, from which you “may” continue to receive SMS messages with hyperlinks (URLs) and personal information.
Maxis has 5-digit short codes like 1XXXX, 2XXXX, and 6XXXX, but has chosen to block SMS messages containing personal information from their Enterprise short codes:
In order to prevent individuals from becoming online scam scams, the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a directive to all telcos on 14 February 2023 to block sending and receiving of short messaging service (SMS) from local, international mobile numbers and applications containing below contents:
URL link and any clickable link e.g. shorten URL; shorten URL;
Request for user’s personal information e.g name, IC number, account number and
Mobile and fixed line number
Blockings are being implemented in stages; started from 2 May 2023 for SMS between individuals; the next and last stage is the blocking of SMS containing the above 3 elements from mobile and applications such as Enterprise SMS service and Maxis IoT SIM from 2 July 2023.
Risky SMS Ban Helpful, But Other Platforms Still A Risk
While this measure is really helpful in reducing scams, the ban is limited to SMS messages. It does not prevent scammers from sending similar scam messages through instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, etc.
I should also point out that links are not inherently bad. Links in messages, even SMS messages, are mostly safe.
Perfectly Fine
Clicking on a link to read an article / terms and conditions of a promotion
Clicking on a link to enrol in a promotion which does not require you to log into any website
Clicking on a link to check in for a flight, or get a travel update
However, they can be used to send you to a phishing website which is designed to look like a genuine bank / payment website. Hence, it is critical that you should NEVER log into any website through a link.
NEVER DO THIS
Clicking on a link to log into a bank website
Clicking on a link to make a purchase or payment
Clicking on a link to log into any account / email
Phishing attacks work by tricking you into going into a fake website that looks like the real website. But you still have to log into the fake website to give the scammers your login details.
If you click on a link, and you are asked to login – this is likely a phishing attack. But don’t worry – as long as you refuse to log into any website after clicking on a link, the phishing attack fails.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
You can now use edit your WhatsApp message for up to 15 minutes!
You Can Now Edit Your WhatsApp Messages!
On Monday, May 22, 2023, Mark Zuckerberg announced that you will now be able to edit your WhatsApp messages up to 15 minutes after they’re sent!
This is, arguably, one of the most requested features to be added to WhatsApp, since many of us suffer from “fat fingers syndrome”, while others are forced to suffer through our typos!
Before this feature was introduced, the only way to “fix” a typo, was to post the corrected message, and delete the previous message with the typo(s). The only problem is you end up with a ton of “message deleted” remnants.
Here is how you can edit your WhatsApp messages:
Long-press on a sent message, and a menu will drop down.
Select the Edit option from the drop-down menu.
After editing your message, simply press Enter to save the edit.
Do note that the edited message will display “Edited” next to it, so your recipients know that it has been edited.
Also, this Edit option is limited to 15 minutes after you send a WhatsApp message. You cannot edit a message if you wait longer than 15 minutes after sending that message!
You Can Edit Your WhatsApp Messages… In Coming Weeks!
You can give it a try, but this feature likely isn’t available yet in your WhatsApp. Mark Zuckerberg and WhatsApp was just announcing a new feature.
You will have the ability to edit your WhatsApp messages for 15 minutes in coming weeks, as the update is rolled out globally.
For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, you can now edit your sent messages.
From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after.
Edited messages will display ‘edited’ alongside them, so those you’re messaging are aware of the correction without showing edit history. As with all personal messages, media and calls, your messages and the edits you make are protected by end-to-end encryption.
This feature has started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Just days after going down for SIX HOURS, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Workplace went down AGAIN!
Find out what happened!
Facebook, Instagram, Messenger + Workplace Down Again!
Just days after all of Facebook’s services went down for six hours, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Workplace went down AGAIN!
At around 3:22 AM on 9 October 2021, they went down again… with people reporting that they were unable to log into their accounts, or send messages.
We’re aware that some people are having trouble accessing our apps and products. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and we apologize for any inconvenience.
Fortunately, this time it didn’t take down WhatsApp and it took their engineering team just under 2 hours to get those Facebook services restored.
We’re so sorry if you weren’t able to access our products during the last couple of hours. We know how much you depend on us to communicate with one another. We fixed the issue — thanks again for your patience this week.
Why Did Facebook, Instagram, Messenger + Workplace Go Down Again!
Again, Facebook blamed another faulty “configuration change” for this downtime, but did not announce any details on what actually happened.
But coming right after an extraordinarily long downtime just days earlier and public testimony by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, this new downtime may be shorter but is no less grievous.
It will feed growing opinion that Facebook has too much services under its control, and it’s dangerous and even folly to let a single company control so many social networks and communication services.
Regulators will no doubt be spurred by this new incident to look at breaking up Facebook.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said that the major Facebook outage highlighted the danger of relying on just a few big players, underscoring “the need for more rivals”.
Even Russia jumped into the fray, stating that Russia was right to develop its own Internet platforms and social networks.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the recent 6-hour outage of Facebook services “answers the question of whether we need our own social networks and Internet platforms“.
We will be looking forward to Facebook Engineering’s explanation of what happened, and whether it involved cutting through doors to get to their servers…
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Was Facebook taken down by a 13 year-old Chinese hacker?
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the FACTS really are!
Claim : Facebook Was Taken Down By 13 Year-Old Chinese Hacker!
On 4 October 2021, Facebook and ALL of its messaging and social media platformswent downfor about six hours, including Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram!
Several websites, as well as people on Twitter and Facebook started claiming that Facebook was taken down by a 13 year-old Chinese hacker called Sun Jisu / Sun Ji Su / Sun Jiso / Sun Ji Soo.
There are quite a number of these claims, so just SKIP to the next section for the facts!
International media claimed that “China” was behind the suspension of social media services in the world.
According to Reuters, a Chinese hacker named “Sun Jisu” is responsible for stopping the services of “Facebook”, “WhatsApp” and Instagram, and added that the Chinese hackers are only 13 years old.
The Chinese hacker “Sun Ji Su” has topped the famous search engines and Twitter platforms during the past minutes, after disabling WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook today 2021 in all countries of the world, amid questions among activists about the details of this information.
The Chinese hacker who disrupted Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram around the world. The 13-year-old boy, Sun Jisu, who hacked the three sites and also caused Facebook employees to be prevented from entering the headquarters of the global institution after disabling the electronic portals and caused an economic loss estimated at billions dollars around the world.
Reuters: A 13-year-old Chinese hacker named Sun Jiso has stopped Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram services.
The value of Facebook shares has dropped significantly due to the disruption of the global network of Instagram and WhatsApp.
#NewYorkTimes: The Facebook company refused the cyber attacks on behalf of a 13, Chinese hacker. It is not clear what the problem is with Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram. The Facebook company claims that we repair them soon.
Truth : Facebook Was Not Taken Down By 13 Year-Old Chinese Hacker!
The story of a 13 year-old Chinese hacker taking down Facebook is just fake news created by fake news / clickbait websites to go viral and get money through ads.
Here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : International Media Did Not Blame China
On one blamed China for the bizarre 6-hour downtime of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.
The international media referred to cybersecurity specialists who pointed at DNS failure as the most likely cause, not a state actor like China.
Clickbait / fake news websites intentionally added that false claim to “trigger” Chinese netizens and Sinophiles to share their fake news.
Fact #2 : Reuters + NYT Did Not Report On Any Chinese Hacker
Reuters did not report that a 13 year-old Chinese hacker called Sun Jisu was responsible for the bringing down Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger.
Neither did the New York Times write about a 13 year old hacker attacking Facebook.
These are complete lies that are easily verified with a quick check on the Reuters and New York Times websites.
Fact #3 : 13 Year-Old Sun Jisu / Sun Jiso Does Not Exist
There is no 13 year-old Chinese hacker called Sun Jisu / Sun Ji Su / Sun Ji So / Sun Ji Soo. He does NOT exist.
In addition, that is a Korean name, not Chinese – a mistake that a non-Asian person would make.
Fact #4 : That Was An Old Picture Of Wang Zhengyang
The fake news websites used a picture of Chinese hacking prodigy, Wang Zhengyang, speaking at the 2014 Chinese Internet Security Conference.
Wang Zhengyang was 13 year-old at that time, and would be 20 years old this year – 2021. Here are two more pictures of him speaking at that event.
Wang Zhengyang at 2014 Chinese Internet Security Conference
Fact #5 : Facebook Services Were Brought Down By Configuration Changes
Facebook services were not brought down by a hacker, but configuration changes their own engineering team initiated internally.
Facebook’s Vice-President of Infrastructure, Santosh Janardhan, confirmed that “configuration changes” on their “backbone routers” caused the 6-hour long failure.
Our engineering teams have learned that configuration changes on the backbone routers that coordinate network traffic between our data centers caused issues that interrupted this communication. This disruption to network traffic had a cascading effect on the way our data centers communicate, bringing our services to a halt.
Fact #6 : Access Problems Were Caused By Same Servers
Facebook run their internal systems through the same servers, so they became inaccessible when those servers were taken offline.
This included security systems that controlled the fob door locks, with a New York Times reporter tweeting that Facebook staff were unable to gain access to an unspecified office using their keycards.
However, many Facebook staff are working from home due to COVID-19 precautions, so this was only a big problem for engineers trying to gain access to the Facebook data centre in Santa Clara, California.
At no time was this security issue caused by a hacker. It was due to the same servers that went offline.
Now that you know the truth, please SHARE this fact check with your family and friends!
Also, please STOP SHARING fake stories created by fake news / clickbait websites!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
You may not have noticed this, but Facebook has started rolling out Click to WhatsApp ads!
Find out what this means for business and customers on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp!
Facebook Rolls Out Click To WhatsApp Ads!
WhatsApp founders may have promised not to monetise their platform by selling ads, but that was nine years ago, and before they sold out to Facebook in 2014.
So it seems inevitable that Facebook will eventually introduce ads in WhatsApp. They even accidentally let it slip (see below).
But for now, you can rest easy. They are only introducing Click to WhatsApp ads on Facebook and Instagram at the moment…
Originally kicking off in 2017, Facebook has started pushing Click to WhatsApp ads in Asia. Page owners may be surprised by reminders to connect their pages to WhatsApp.
Ignoring this reminder will invite the warning that you cannot run WhatsApp ads, or add a WhatsApp button to your Page.
We are not sure if that’s a Freudian slip, but Facebook actually mentioned WhatsApp ads. LOL!
Click To WhatsApp Ads : What Are They?
These are regular Facebook and Instagram ads, with the additional Send Message button.
Clicking on that button will open a conversation thread in WhatsApp with the Facebook / Instagram business owners (using the WhatsApp Business app).
This allows you to interact directly with the business, like you would using Facebook Messenger.
This makes it easier for businesses to reach the 1.5 billion WhatsApp users around the world, who will like how much easier it is to directly message them using WhatsApp.
On the other hand, it is likely to make it easier for scammers who are already leveraging Facebook ads to cheat people.
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Is WhatsApp going to charge us to send and receive picture messages from 1 March onwards?
Find out what’s going on, and what the FACTS really are!
Claim : WhatsApp Is Going To Charge For Picture Messages!
This viral claim is spreading like wildfire on WhatsApp, with people asking – is this true?
Please note: Starting from March 1st, all pictures of “good morning, good morning, happy weekend, etc.” will be charged, and it is a two-way charge (sending and receiving), please use text for greetings , Don’t use pictures! Thank you
Ambil perhatian: Bermula dari 1 Mac, semua gambar2 “selamat pagi, selamat berhujung minggu, dan sebagainya” akan dikenakan bayaran, dan ianya adalah bayaran dua-hala(hantar dan terima), tolong gunakan teks untuk ucapan. Jangan gunakan gambar2! Terima kasih.
No, WhatsApp Is NOT Going To Charge For Picture Messages!
Such viral messages have been circulating for years, often being modified to change the date or details. But the premise is always the same – WhatsApp will start charging us.
This latest version is most likely an attempt to stop people from sending all those irritating Good Morning and Happy Weekend messages.
The truth is – WhatsApp is NOT going to charge for sending or receiving picture messages.
In fact, it does not make sense for WhatsApp to charge us to use their free messaging service. Here are the reasons why…
Reason #1 : WhatsApp Needs To Stay Free
WhatsApp became big by providing a FREE messaging service, and that includes the ability to send and receive picture messages.
Even when they tried to monetise WhatsApp without charging users for messages, they were roundly criticised and many abandoned them for Telegram and Signal.
Charging for their free messaging service will merely trigger a massive exodus to alternative free messaging services like Telegram, Signal, WeChat, Line, KakaoTalk, etc.
Reason #2 : WhatsApp Needs Us As Their Product
WhatsApp will probably charge companies using their (still free) WhatsApp Business app, and introduce payment services to make money.
But they will always keep messaging free for end-users, because we are their “product”. WhatsApp needs a massive number of users to “sell” to businesses, including those on Facebook.
Our metadata is useful to advertisers on Facebook, and eventually, WhatsApp will likely charge businesses for the right to access their massive user base.
Ultimately, it does not make business sense for WhatsApp to charge end users like us.
Reason #3 : WhatsApp Does Not Have The Ability To Charge Us
Think about it for a second – did you ever give WhatsApp your credit card details? Or did they introduce any payment method?
If not, how on Earth are they ever going to charge you?
There is simply NO WAY for WhatsApp to charge us anything. Not until they ask for our credit card details, or introduce some kind of payment method.
Reason #4 : There Would Be Advanced Warning
Even if WhatsApp really wanted to charge for messaging, they cannot just start charging on-the-sly.
So if it does come to pass that WhatsApp will start charging for messages, they will have to inform you in advanced and you will have the opportunity to switch to an alternative messaging service.
If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Telegram just introduced the ability to import chat history from other messaging apps.
Find out how to move your chat history from other messaging apps to Telegram!
Telegram Now Lets You Move Chat History From Other Apps
Telegram has been very active trying to encourage disgruntled WhatsApp users to migrate to their messaging app.
On 28 January 2021, Telegram introduced the ability to import chat history from other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Line and KakaoTalk.
This feature works for both individual chats and chat groups, and leverages the export function already available in those messaging apps for years now.
Before you proceed, we should warn you about the security risks of moving your chats to Telegram :
it lacks end-to-end encryption for all chats, except Secret Chat
your data – chats and files – are all stored in their cloud servers
your data is encrypted in storage, but Telegram has the encryption keys
Telegram : How To Move Chat History From Other Apps
This video example demonstrates how to migrate your chats and files from WhatsApp to Telegram on iOS (left), and Android (right). It should work the same way for the other apps.
Moving Chats On iOS
Make sure you have the latest versions of WhatsApp and Telegram.
Open WhatsApp.
Open Contact Info or Group Info.
Tap Export Chat.
Choose to Include Media or export Without Media.
Select Telegram in the Share menu.
Moving Chats On Android
Make sure you have the latest versions of WhatsApp and Telegram.
Open WhatsApp.
Tap on the ⋮ icon.
Select More > Export Chat.
Choose to Include Media or export Without Media.
Select Telegram in the Share menu.
As you can see, it’s pretty simple. But you have to do it for every chat or chat group.
You cannot do a mass export and import of all chats from WhatsApp (or other messaging apps) to Telegram.
If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Telegram just highlighted the ability to migrate WhatsApp chats to their app, but you really should NOT do that.
Find out why this is a BIG security and privacy risk than just leaving your chats in WhatsApp!
Telegram : Moving Chat History From WhatsApp, Line + KakaoTalk
In a recent version 7.4 update for their iOS app, Telegram announced a new feature – the ability to move your chat messages from other apps like WhatsApp, Line and Kakaotalk to their app.
Curiously, that ability has actually been part of WhatsApp since 2018, when they introduced the ability to export chats to email and other apps.
And while this feature is purportedly available only with the iOS version of Telegram Messenger, you can already do that with existing versions of WhatsApp and Telegram.
Why You Should NOT Move WhatsApp Chats To Telegram!
You should note that the privacy risks with WhatsApp have been grossly exaggerated by the media and many Internet “experts”.
For one thing – WhatsApp users have been sharing metadata with Facebook since September 2016, a fact initially lost on many media outlets and “experts”.
But we understand the fear – Facebook is a real snoop. Even so, it would be a mistake to migrate from WhatsApp to Telegram.
Let us share with you why you should NOT migrate from WhatsApp to Telegram, and why it is a BIG mistake to migrate your WhatsApp data to Telegram.
Fact #1 : Telegram Is LESS Secure Than WhatsApp
WhatsApp fully implemented end-to-end encryption across all of their apps and network since 5 April 2016.
End-to-end encryption prevents WhatsApp or Facebook from reading your messages. Only the sender and receiver(s) can read them.
WhatsApp shares a considerable amount of data and metadata that Facebook can use to identify and track your movements and activities. But not the content of your messages.
Telegram, on the other hand, has STILL NOT implemented end-to-end encryption for all messages by default.
Instead, they still insist on offering end-to-end encryption only when you create a Secret Chat.
This leaves the bulk of your messages completely readable by Telegram and anyone who intercepts those messages as they travel from your device through the Internet to the recipient.
The very presence of Secret Chats between certain people is itself metadata that can help oppressive regimes identify their enemies or whistleblowers.
Fact #2 : Your Data Is Stored In Telegram Cloud Servers
All WhatsApp data is stored only in your registered device. WhatsApp also does not retain messages in their servers after they are delivered, and will only store files (like photos and videos) and undelivered messages for 30 days.
It’s the opposite with Telegram – all of your data – messages, photos, videos, documents – is stored in their cloud servers. Even though they are encrypted in storage, Telegram holds the encryption keys, NOT YOU.
This ability has its advantages like convenient access across multiple devices, but it also makes Telegram less secure.
Telegram has access to your encrypted files, including the ability to decrypt them for authorities that legally compels them to do so.
Fact #3 : Moving Your Messages + Media To Telegram Exposes Them
While your chats and media remain within your WhatsApp app, they are encrypted and not available to anyone but yourself (and the recipients).
Migrating your chat messages and media to Telegram would involve sending them unencrypted to Telegram’s servers.
This exposes your hitherto secure chats and media to a man-in-the-middle attack – allowing a third party to snoop or grab a copy of the data as it travels unencrypted to the Telegram servers.
Fact #4 : Facebook Already Has Your Metadata
As we pointed out earlier, WhatsApp has been sharing our metadata with Facebook since September 2016.
So moving your existing chats out of WhatsApp won’t limit or reduce your exposure. That horse has long bolted from the stable.
Moving your chat history and files to Telegram will just offer a new attack surface for cybercriminals and oppressive regimes.
Fact #5 : Facebook Will Still Have Your Data If You Still Use Facebook!
Here is the other thing that people don’t realise – migrating from WhatsApp to another messaging app is pointless if you do not also stop using Facebook.
As long as you still use Facebook, they will still have access to a consideration amount of metadata. Losing your WhatsApp metadata just gives them less metadata.
After all, Facebook can track your movements and activity even if you are NOT on Facebook! This is what they call Off-Facebook Activity.
If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Many websites are claiming that WhatsApp is forcing us to share our data with Facebook in February 2021.
Find out what’s going on, and what the FACTS really are!
WhatsApp Sharing Data With Facebook : What’s Going On?
We wrote about this earlier, but it looks like many websites (including very influential ones) are still peddling the claim that WhatsApp is going to force us to share data with Facebook in February 2021.
It all started with this pop-up alert that started appearing on WhatsApp a few days ago, alerting us to a change in its terms and privacy policy.
You must accept this new privacy policy to continue using WhatsApp from 8 February 2021 onwards. Otherwise, the alert subtly suggests, you should “delete your account”.
Since then, numerous articles have been written about how this new privacy policy is forcing us to share our WhatsApp data with Facebook.
This has led to many people switching to alternatives like Telegram and Signal, in fear that the new privacy policy would allow Facebook to access and read all of their WhatsApp messages.
No, WhatsApp Is Not Forcing You To Share Data With Facebook
As we shared earlier, NO, the new WhatsApp privacy policy does not force you to share data with Facebook, because…
Fact #1 : It Has Been A Requirement Since September 2016!
It is perplexing why so many websites claim that this new privacy policy forces us to let WhatsApp share data with Facebook. After all, this has been a requirement since September 2016!
Back in August 2016, WhatsApp announced that they would start sharing data with Facebook. At that time, they gave existing users 30 days to opt-out.
This was a one-time offer that has never been repeated. Since then, every new and current user MUST agree to let WhatsApp share data with Facebook.
Fact #2 : WhatsApp Will Still Honour The Opt-Out
If you are a WhatsApp veteran who opted out of data sharing in August 2016, WhatsApp will still honour that opt-out.
You can safely agree to the new privacy policy – your data opt-out will remain active.
Fact #3 : WhatsApp Will Share MORE Information With Facebook
So while they DO NOT need your permission to continue sharing data with Facebook, they still need your permission to SHARE MORE data with Facebook.
This is the list of additional data that we must agree to let WhatsApp share with Facebook :
Status Information. You may provide us your status if you choose to include one on your account. Learn how to use status on Android, iPhone, or KaiOS.
Transactions And Payments Data. If you use our payments services, or use our Services meant for purchases or other financial transactions, we process additional information about you, including payment account and transaction information. Payment account and transaction information includes information needed to complete the transaction (for example, information about your payment method, shipping details and transaction amount). If you use our payments services available in your country or territory, our privacy practices are described in the applicable payments privacy policy.
Location Information. We collect and use precise location information from your device with your permission when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or view locations nearby or locations others have shared with you. There are certain settings relating to location-related information which you can find in your device settings or the in-app settings, such as location sharing. Even if you do not use our location-related features, we use IP addresses and other information like phone number area codes to estimate your general location (e.g., city and country). We also use your location information for diagnostics and troubleshooting purposes.
User Reports. Just as you can report other users, other users or third parties may also choose to report to us your interactions and your messages with them or others on our Services; for example, to report possible violations of our Terms or policies. When a report is made, we collect information on both the reporting user and reported user.
Businesses On WhatsApp. Businesses you interact with using our Services may provide us with information about their interactions with you. We require each of these businesses to act in accordance with applicable law when providing any information to us.When you message with a business on WhatsApp, keep in mind that the content you share may be visible to several people in that business. 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. To understand how a business processes your information, including how it might share your information with third parties or Facebook, you should review that business’ privacy policy or contact the business directly.
Fact #4 : WhatsApp + Facebook Cannot Read Your Messages
WhatsApp finished implementing end-to-end encryption on 5 April 2016, about 4.5 months before instituting the requirement to share data with Facebook.
Since then, WhatsApp nor Facebook can no longer read your messages, as they are encrypted. Only the sender and receiver(s) can read them.
WhatsApp shares a considerable amount of data and metadata that Facebook can use to identify and track your movements and activities. But not the content of your messages.
Fact #5 : Telegram Is Less Secure!
For those who are fleeing to Telegram, you should note that Telegram does not encrypt messages (only Secret Chats).
In fact, all of your data – messages, photos, videos, documents – are stored in Telegram servers. Even though they are encrypted in storage, Telegram holds the encryption keys, NOT YOU.
In contrast, WhatsApp data is only stored in your devices. WhatsApp also does not retain messages in their servers after they are delivered, and will only store files (like photos and videos) and undelivered messages for 30 days.
WhatsApp will, however, store the time and date of the messages you send and receive.
Fact #6 : Signal Is The Most Secure Alternative
Those who want a more private and secure messenger should opt for Signal, instead of Telegram.
It offers end-to-end encryption using the open-source Signal protocol, the same protocol which WhatsApp uses in its own proprietary format.
On top of that, it offers a Sealed Sender feature which prevents everyone – including Signal – from knowing the sender and recipient of a message.
But best of all, Signal does not share your data with any third-party company. In fact, the only metadata it collects is your phone number, and even that is not linked to your identity.
That said, Signal lacks features found in WhatsApp and Telegram, so we cannot call it the best alternative, only the most secure alternative.
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People are worried that a new WhatsApp privacy policy update will force them to share data with Facebook.
Well, here’s the real surprise – don’t you know that WhatsApp is already doing that?
Find out what’s going on, and what WhatsApp is really changing…
New WhatsApp Privacy Policy : Share Data With Facebook?
Many of you may have woken up to this pop-up on WhatsApp, alerting you to a change in its terms and privacy policy, which takes effect on 8 February 2021.
While you can delay the decision by clicking NOT NOW, you have to accept the new terms and privacy policy, to continue using WhatsApp.
Otherwise, the alert subtly suggests, you should “delete your account”.
Hello? WhatsApp Is Already Sharing Data With Facebook!
Many WhatsApp users are shocked by this new development, and pondering about whether they should jump to Telegram or some other instant messenger.
What’s more egregious though is that many websites are “warning” their readers about this new, shocking development.
The fact of the matter is – WhatsApp has been sharing data with Facebook for years!
In The Beginning : Private Communication Assured
After Facebook bought WhatsApp for a cool US$19 billion, Jan Koum set the record straight on 17 March 2014 :
Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA, and we built WhatsApp around the goal of knowing as little about you as possible: You don’t have to give us your name and we don’t ask for your email address. We don’t know your birthday. We don’t know your home address. We don’t know where you work. We don’t know your likes, what you search for on the internet or collect your GPS location. None of that data has ever been collected and stored by WhatsApp, and we really have no plans to change that.
2016 : WhatsApp Starts Sharing Data With Facebook
In August 2016, WhatsApp announced that they would start sharing data with Facebook, after rolling out end-to-end encryption.
[B]y coordinating more with Facebook, we’ll be able to do things like track basic metrics about how often people use our services and better fight spam on WhatsApp. And by connecting your phone number with Facebook’s systems, Facebook can offer better friend suggestions and show you more relevant ads if you have an account with them. For example, you might see an ad from a company you already work with, rather than one from someone you’ve never heard of.
At that time, WhatsApp offered existing users a special one-time only option to opt-out of the data sharing, but only if they did it within 30 days.
If you are an existing user, you can choose not to have your WhatsApp account information shared with Facebook to improve your Facebook ads and products experiences. Existing users who accept our updated Terms and Privacy Policy will have an additional 30 days to make this choice by going to Settings > Account.
If you did not opt-out within 30 days back in August 2016, your data would be shared with Facebook.
This opt-out option was NOT provided to new WhatsApp users who registered on or after 25 August 2016.
After 24 September 2016 : WhatsApp Has Been Sharing Data With Facebook
With the singular exception of existing users who managed to opt-out by 24 September 2016, the data of every other WhatsApp user has been shared with Facebook.
8 February 2021 Onwards : More Information Is Shared
What will really change from 8 February 2021 onwards is the additional information that WhatsApp will share with Facebook :
Status Information. You may provide us your status if you choose to include one on your account. Learn how to use status on Android, iPhone, or KaiOS.
Transactions And Payments Data. If you use our payments services, or use our Services meant for purchases or other financial transactions, we process additional information about you, including payment account and transaction information. Payment account and transaction information includes information needed to complete the transaction (for example, information about your payment method, shipping details and transaction amount). If you use our payments services available in your country or territory, our privacy practices are described in the applicable payments privacy policy.
Location Information. We collect and use precise location information from your device with your permission when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or view locations nearby or locations others have shared with you. There are certain settings relating to location-related information which you can find in your device settings or the in-app settings, such as location sharing. Even if you do not use our location-related features, we use IP addresses and other information like phone number area codes to estimate your general location (e.g., city and country). We also use your location information for diagnostics and troubleshooting purposes.
User Reports. Just as you can report other users, other users or third parties may also choose to report to us your interactions and your messages with them or others on our Services; for example, to report possible violations of our Terms or policies. When a report is made, we collect information on both the reporting user and reported user.
Businesses On WhatsApp. Businesses you interact with using our Services may provide us with information about their interactions with you. We require each of these businesses to act in accordance with applicable law when providing any information to us.When you message with a business on WhatsApp, keep in mind that the content you share may be visible to several people in that business. 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. To understand how a business processes your information, including how it might share your information with third parties or Facebook, you should review that business’ privacy policy or contact the business directly.
Opted Out In 2016? It Is Still Honoured!
WhatsApp will apparently continue to honour the decision of those who opted-out of data sharing in August 2016.
For those who opted out, you can agree to the new policy, and your data will still NOT be shared with Facebook.
To check if you opted-out in August 2016, you will need to check in your WhatsApp account – Settings > Account > Request Account Info.
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Freshworks just announced that their Omniroute and Proximity software have added support for WhatsApp Business to better deliver online customer support for businesses.
Here is a quick primer on what they did, and what it means for Omniroute and Proximity users!
Freshworks Omniroute
Freshworks Omniroute is a customer engagement software that helps businesses manage and direct user customer conversations. It gives their customer service agents a unified view of customer inquiries across multiple channels
Integrating Omniroute with WhatsApp Business was a logical move, allowing Omniroute to cover the massive network of 1.5 billion WhatsApp users.
This integration will make Omniroute more compelling, by giving their users the ability to directly and quickly contact their customers via WhatsApp.
“Users no longer have to jump through hoops to reach out to a business – all they have to do is flip out their mobile and engaging with their favorite brand is just a message away on WhatsApp,” says Girish Mathrubootham, CEO of Freshworks.
Freshworks Proximity For Freshchat
Freshworks Proximity has also added integration with WhatsApp Business. Proximity allows businesses to send our messages to their customers on a large scale.
Adding WhatsApp Business support will mean adding another avenue to reach out to that massive 1.5 billion user pool.
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March 14, 2016 – LINE Corporation today announced the addition of a new group call feature to the latest version of the LINE app (iPhone and Android v.5.11, and Windows Desktop v.4.5), enabling users to participate in voice calls within their group or multiple person chats.
LINE was released in June 2011 as a group communications service available across multiple devices and network carriers, enabling users around the world to easily keep in touch with friends, family, and coworkers. It launched its free voice call service in October of the same year, and video calls in September 2013, all in an effort to improve the lines of communication between people.
Today, with the release of LINE 5.11 for iPhone and Android, LINE now includes support for voice calls within groups or multiple person chats. The group feature update is also supported on LINE Windows desktop version (v.4.5.)
Free Group Call
The feature offers free voice chats with up to 200 people. Calls can be initiated from within group chats or multiple person chats, and a notification message will be sent to all of the users participating in the chat. The number of people currently participating in the call can also be confirmed from within the chat. An icon is displayed above the user icon of the person currently speaking at the time, enabling users to easily communicate with each other.
The group call feature can be utilized for no charge as long as the user has the LINE app installed, allowing easy communication with a worldwide community of users. The service is perfect for catching up with friends and family, and also for use at work for important conference calls. The possibilities are endless with this tool designed to eliminate the traditional barriers to effective group communication.
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“We are constantly innovating the way our users communicate with their friends and family, and this new feature provides an additional way for our users to be closer to their friends and family. At every update we look towards refining the experience to keep up with our users’ needs and demands,” said SunHaeng Cho, the lead planner for group call.
In addition to the new group call feature, the LINE version 5.11 also has a redesigned More screen. The layout of the menu icons in the user interface has been modified for increased visibility and an even greater user experience. The new layout is available for both Android and iOS.
LINE Corporation will continue to develop new features and services and enhance existing ones in order to make it easier for users to communicate around the world.
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WhatsApp just announced that they have abandoned their subscription plan, making WhatsApp FREE once again! They are not going to start showing ads either.
This is likely due to the inroads in their market share made by alternative messaging apps like Telegram and WeChat, that are not only free but offer better features to boot. Even so, WhatsApp remains the dominant instant messaging platform with over 900 million users worldwide (as of September 2015).
Check out their blog announcement :
Making WhatsApp free and more useful
Nearly a billion people around the world today rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with their friends and family. From a new dad in Indonesia sharing photos with his family, to a student in Spain checking in with her friends back home, to a doctor in Brazil keeping in touch with her patients, people rely on WhatsApp to be fast, simple and reliable.
[adrotate banner=”4″]That’s why we’re happy to announce that WhatsApp will no longer charge subscription fees. For many years, we’ve asked some people to pay a fee for using WhatsApp after their first year. As we’ve grown, we’ve found that this approach hasn’t worked well.
Many WhatsApp users don’t have a debit or credit card number and they worried they’d lose access to their friends and family after their first year. So over the next several weeks, we’ll remove fees from the different versions of our app and WhatsApp will no longer charge you for our service.
Naturally, people might wonder how we plan to keep WhatsApp running without subscription fees and if today’s announcement means we’re introducing third-party ads. The answer is no.
Starting this year, we will test tools that allow you to use WhatsApp to communicate with businesses and organizations that you want to hear from. That could mean communicating with your bank about whether a recent transaction was fraudulent, or with an airline about a delayed flight.
We all get these messages elsewhere today – through text messages and phone calls – so we want to test new tools to make this easier to do on WhatsApp, while still giving you an experience without third-party ads and spam.
We hope you enjoy what’s coming to WhatsApp, and we look forward to your feedback.
So there you have it – the white flag officially making WhatsApp free once again.
Of course, nothing in life is truly free. WhatsApp will have to figure out another way to monetise their platform. You can’t blame them – they have to make a living!
Until then, enjoy! 😀
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