Facebook To Remove Onavo VPN App From Apple App Store
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Not all Virtual Private Network (VPN) software is created equal. Some do a better job at protecting your privacy than others. Mashable reported that Facebook:
"... plans to remove its Onavo VPN app from the App Store after Apple warned the company that the app was in violation of its policies governing data gathering... For those blissfully unaware, Onavo sold itself as a virtual private network that people could run "to take the worry out of using smartphones and tablets." In reality, Facebook used data about users' internet activity collected by the app to inform acquisitions and product decisions. Essentially, Onavo allowed Facebook to run market research on you and your phone, 24/7. It was spyware, dressed up and neatly packaged with a Facebook-blue bow. Data gleaned from the app, notes the Wall Street Journal, reportedly played into the social media giant's decision to start building a rival to the Houseparty app. Oh, and its decision to buy WhatsApp."
Thanks Apple! We've all heard of the #FakeNews hashtag on social media. Yes, there is a #FakeVPN hashtag, too. So, buyer beware... online user beware.
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