For years, privacy advocates have been warning of security gaps and data abuse on WhatsApp and Facebook, and now also on Clubhouse. But what actually happens to the user data?
- The new Clubhouse app is in Germany a real hype arose.
- Privacy advocates warn of a possible Data abuse through the new app. But WhatsApp also stands in terms of it Data security again in discussion. Which Data are collected through Clubhouse and WhatsApp?
- What actually happens to the collected user data?
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To the new Audio-Only-App Clubhouse a total hype arose in Germany. But shortly after the app was in Germany was available, privacy advocates have warned of possible data abuse. Because who the App wants to use his mobile number specify. And if you want to invite friends, you also have to use the app access on his contacts grant. Then there is the unrestricted access on their own Photos for a profile picture as well as the microphoneto enable speaking and participation in discussions. But what actually happens to the collected Data?
What is a clubhouse?
For everyone who has so far passed the trend and who is currently wondering: What is Clubhouse actually? – here a short version: Clubhouse is one Audio-Only-Appwhich is currently only available to Apple users. who the App first of all, an invitation from an existing member needs to be received.
The App itself is kept simple: no feed, no chat rooms, video appearances. There are various rooms for this, which anyone can open and other people to enter, in which one can talk to one another like in a telephone conference. The exciting thing is that such rooms can be opened with any number of friends, but also with strangers from all over the world. In this way, interesting discussion groups can arise on all kinds of topics.
More than Your is there in the App hardly, hence the name Audio-Only. In addition, conversations can be planned, but always take place live and cannot be listened to again later.
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WhatsApp’s new privacy policy: Fear of data abuse
Also at WhatsApp to warn Privacy advocates for years Vulnerabilities and data abuse. Especially since WhatsApp from Facebook was bought up. Now WhatsApp is again under criticism due to a new planned one Data protection rule. The problem: WhatsApp has not clearly communicated what exactly will change in the future, whether and in what way more Data collected will. Lots Users have one at this point Data abuse thunderstorm.
Thereupon has WhatsApp for now the Introduction of the new data protection regulation postponed by three months: Have instead until February 8th Users now until May 15th to get the new Privacy Policy to agree. In fact, not much changes with the new ones Privacy policy. It should Data regarding the usage relationship – when a person was last online and information via the device identifier – i.e. which smartphone is used, transmitted will. However, this information is not passed on to Facebook.
What data does WhatsApp collect and what happens to the data?
WhatsApp generally collects all Data, the the Users when starting the App must provide: name, telephone number, date of birth, status and profile picture. However, data from the phone book, photos and movement data are also transferred.
Stores personal messages WhatsApp according to their own statements not, unless one message cannot be delivered, it will be sent to the Server cached. WhatsApp uses the so-called so that no one else can read your messages End-to-end encryption.
With the takeover by Facebook in 2014 did WhatsApp his old one Privacy policy changed and also started being linked Phone numbers and share other account information with Facebook. This allows Facebook to share Data use your own user profiles to add more information to complete.
What data does Clubhouse collect and what happens to the user data?
What exactly with the User data happened at Clubhouse, explains Jörg Breithut in a video of Stuttgart newspaper: “Above all, it is viewed critically that the directory is scanned. As soon as you want to invite friends or acquaintances to the app, you are obliged to share your address book. So its complete Datathat one has saved on the phone, which of course very much critical is. “
It is not just the numbers and the Names from the selected friends you want to invite Clubhouse transferred, but also everyone else contacts as well as saved Addresses, Birthdays and call pictures. “Privacy advocates criticize that by doing too Shadow profiles can be created. That is, too Usersthat have absolutely nothing to do with this App have to do are laid out there. including names as well Phone number.“
Furthermore, all will conversations recorded within the app, so that a violation of the Usage guidelines can still be proven by Clubhouse afterwards. However, an outsider can never say exactly what is really happening with these records within the company.
Data theft through WhatsApp, Facebook, Clubhouse and Co .: That’s what the GDPR says
In general, there are clear rules in Europe regarding the collection of User data. In the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) it was established that EU citizens are in control of their at all times Data must keep. In practice, however, it looks different.
One strategy used by companies is that Data control prevent the user with the help of complicated formulations, forms or bureaucratic effort. In addition, who determined the apps Accesses denied that App can no longer use at all. Often there is no way for Users, one restricted access to allow – according to the motto: completely or not at all. Many thereby take the exaltation off User data and possible Data abuse in purchase in order not to be excluded by the app. Alternatives to WhatsApp as a means of communication are difficult to establish.
List of rubric lists: © Patrick Pleul
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