On Aug 6, Facebook mobile users were hit with a controversial update where the private messaging function of the Facebook app was disabled. Instead, users were forced to download the separate Facebook Messenger App if they wanted to message their Facebook friends on their phone. Facebook’s decision was met with backlash from consumers, accusing the company with invading their privacy.
In our current age of internet and technology dependence, information has essentially become a commodity, sought after by large corporations in order to truly get to know their consumers and their needs, and in turn, to boost their profits. When you download any social media application on your Apple or Samsung device, there is usually a notification that pops up, asking for your permission to access your contacts. This is so that the application can easily integrate and/or find your friends that are also using this social media. Many consumers are skeptical of this, as if allowed, the application can also send your contacts information back to the company. But your contacts information are not that big of a deal, so why is everyone freaking out over the Messenger app?
This is because the Facebook Messenger took “accessing your information” a step further, asking for permission to use your phone’s cameras and microphone. This prompted serious allegations against Facebook, some accusing the company of “spying” on our conversations, what with the need to message others on a different application. Some experts even claimed that Facebook can turn our phone’s cameras and microphones on and off at anytime, and film/record our conversations. Meanwhile, Facebook denied these charges; stating that the Messenger application is an improvement on the old private messaging, and with new features, it had to be in a separate application. With the new Messenger app, users can take pictures and videos and easily post them on a chat, or voice call another person over wifi/3G connection. Facebook explained that it was due to these new features that the application needed access to the cameras and microphone. Facebook further stated that the Messenger’s privacy settings are no different than the original Facebook app, so they are not crossing any lines here.
Whether you believe in Facebook’s statement and use the application, or you are taking it safe in terms of your privacy, the opinions of the general public on the new Messenger app can be summed up by one picture:
