Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, allow user internet traffic to be encrypted and redirected through a private server, creating added security for user data. Many people use these forms of anonymous browsing to transfer information, or mask geographic location. But what about the companies running the VPNs? Are they not able to see the traffic they are tasked with encrypting and protecting?
This was the issue behind Facebook’s recent decision to pull their VPN app, Onavo, from Apple’s App store. The app relies on analyzing mobile traffic in order to improve Facebook products and services, while providing users with a private server to access the Internet. Facebook’s analysis included the practice of collecting data on its users and their friends, through sites visited or information kept in iPhone users’ address books. As well, Onavo’s data was used for Facebook’s product and acquisitions strategy, aiding in the decision to purchase WhatsApp and move towards live video streaming capabilities, the Wall Street Journal reports [1]. After the app store updated their privacy guidelines in June in an effort to prohibit apps that collect data – a move that is believed to have targeted Onavo [2] – Facebook agreed to voluntarily remove the app from Apple app stores (though still remaining available through Google Play Store). While it is no longer available for purchase, users are still able to operate Onavo, though without any forthcoming updates.
This is the latest news of a long list of issues regarding Facebook’s failure to protect user data, occurring within the same year as their reputation-damaging Cambridge Analytica scandal. While Facebook maintains that users were made aware of the app’s usage and abilities, it was a telling decision for the company to choose to remove the app instead of updating it to suit Apple’s guidelines.
What are your thoughts on Facebook? Do you use the social media platform, or any of their products? How do you navigate concerns surrounding privacy and their misuse of user data?
Be sure to leave a comment in the discussion box below.
For more information, check out these articles:
Facebook pulls its Onavo Protect VPN app from Apple App Stores | The Next Web
Facebook pulls its data harvesting VPN app from app stores | Gizmodo
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