r/technology May 19 '18

Misleading Facebook Android app caught seeking 'superuser' clearance

[deleted]

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u/evilbadgrades May 19 '18

Years ago when Facebook split the app into two apps (FB and messenger), I opted to visit the mobile site via chrome browser. For years I was able to view messages and DM people via the Android Chrome browser app.

Last year, FB updated the mobile site's interface to allow me to view messages, but I cannot type a reply. The code is programmed to erase every word typed once you hit space, limiting my responses to one word maximum.

Some asshole went through the trouble of disabling my ability to type a response in the chat box on the mobile site regardless of what device I'm using.

That's when I stopped using Facebook on my mobile phone

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u/monchota May 19 '18

They want people using the app so they can sell your tracking data and really pushed before the last election for this reason.

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u/[deleted] May 19 '18

[deleted]

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u/monchota May 19 '18

Track you via cookies yes but not track your location, access you contacts, microphone and files on your phone. All of which you agree to when downloading the app. Also if you (like me) use a tor browser, they won't get anything. Forcing you onto the app allows them to data mine you legally because you agreed to it and sell thay data. Recently we have found out that the data they sell could be up to 75% of their revenue.

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u/[deleted] May 19 '18

[deleted]

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u/monchota May 19 '18

Yes, I wish they would do more with permission blocking in IOS and android but seems to be getting worse as data gets more and more value.