Facebook is known for its shady practices and the social network seems to be taking it to a whole other level lately. They are now pushing a spyware app with a blatant disregard for user’s privacy.
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Facebook slyly pushes spyware app to users
Facebook recently introduced a new section labeled “Protect” in its mobile app.
Once you tap this option, Facebook automatically takes you to the App Store page of “Onavo Protect – VPN Security” app.
Unsurprisingly, this app transfers user data to their servers for “improving Facebook’s products and services”, which is just the politically correct version of “we steal your data”.
For those who don’t know, Onavo is a subsidiary of Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg acquired the Israeli VPN company back in 2013.
As much as I hate spyware, I can confirm that most people couldn’t care less about it. They will still end up installing this app to “protect their data”.
Should you use install Onavo Protect?
I gave this app a test drive and I actually like its simplistic interface and VPN capability.
The setup process is also really simple – you just need to install a new configuration profile in Settings and you are good to go.
There’s absolutely nothing you need to configure in its in-app preferences section.
If you are a power user or a jailbreaker, I highly suggest you steer clear of this app. If you really want to use a VPN, go with reputed providers such as ExpressVPN.
Facebook’s app and web version are already pretty secure, to begin with. Therefore, a VPN just adds another secure layer on top of it, which is overkill and not really necessary for the average user.
What are your thoughts on Facebook’s new ploy to steal user data? Post below.
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