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Non-paywall coverage on The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/22/17771298/facebook-onavo-protect-apple-app-store-pulled-privacy-concerns https://www.thever

by _bxg1 8y ago

Non-paywall coverage on The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/22/17771298/facebook-onavo-protect-apple-app-store-pulled-privacy-concerns https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/22/17771298/facebook-onavo-p... "Onavo, which began as an Israeli analytics startup focused on helping users monitor their data usage, was acquired by Facebook in 2013. Its VPN provider then became a data collection tool for Facebook to monitor smartphone users’ behavior outside its core apps, helping inform Facebook’s live video strategy, competition from other social apps, and its decision to acquire companies including WhatsApp." Geez, man. That is evil. Especially since most users don't know the difference between "security" and "privacy", and probably assume that it would have the exact opposite effect.

mirimir 8y ago
There ought to be civil and criminal penalties for stuff like this. I mean, this is basically malware. Edit: Just how is this distinguishable from the Sony or HB Gary hacks? Not as much data was taken, it's true. But there were far more victims. And I doubt that there was adequate disclosure. Edit: OK, spyware. And people have been prosecuted over spyware.
cjhopman 8y ago
Oh please. The description in the app stores is pretty clear about this behavior (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.spaceship https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.spac...): "As part of providing these features, Onavo may collect your mobile data traffic. This helps us improve and operate the Onavo service by analyzing your use of websites, apps and data. Because we're part of Facebook, we also use this info to improve Facebook products and services, gain insights into the products and services people value, and build better experiences." Running a VPN isn't particularly cheap. I'd assume that any free VPN is one of: 1. criminals collecting and monetizing your information 2. state actors collecting and ?????????? your information 3. companies collecting and monetizing your information 4. too small to need to do one of (1)-(3)
cjhopman 8y ago
Geez, man. You represent it like Onavo wasn't collecting that user data and selling it to any random company before Facebook bought them: https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/08/onavo-insights/ https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/08/onavo-insights/

by _bxg1 8y ago

mirimir 8y ago

There ought to be civil and criminal penalties for stuff like this. I mean, this is basically malware. Edit: Just how is this distinguishable from the Sony or HB Gary hacks? Not as much data was taken, it's true. But there were far more victims. And I doubt that there was adequate disclosure. Edit: OK, spyware. And people have been prosecuted over spyware.

cjhopman 8y ago

Oh please. The description in the app stores is pretty clear about this behavior (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.spaceship https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.spac...): "As part of providing these features, Onavo may collect your mobile data traffic. This helps us improve and operate the Onavo service by analyzing your use of websites, apps and data. Because we're part of Facebook, we also use this info to improve Facebook products and services, gain insights into the products and services people value, and build better experiences." Running a VPN isn't particularly cheap. I'd assume that any free VPN is one of: 1. criminals collecting and monetizing your information 2. state actors collecting and ?????????? your information 3. companies collecting and monetizing your information 4. too small to need to do one of (1)-(3)

cjhopman 8y ago

Geez, man. You represent it like Onavo wasn't collecting that user data and selling it to any random company before Facebook bought them: https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/08/onavo-insights/ https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/08/onavo-insights/