clifffJul 4, 2023

Meta’s new app “Threads” is up pre-order in the App Store. Let’s do a quick check on what data they want from you compared to the official Mastodon app, Mammoth and Ivory.

Spoiler: Meta wants to know and track everything about you, and Mastodon doesn’t want anything.

#threads

Show threadMeercat ✅ 

@clifff That’s unacceptable. How are they allowed such private information; they should even be allowed to ask for that much
Jul 4, 2023 at 6:38amWeb
Show threadindriJul 4, 2023
@meercat0 @clifff I might be wrong, but I think that's just caution not to omitt any categories of data. Some of those are data that *might* be handled by meta. For example b/c you put them in your bio (race, sexual orientation) or post about them. They'll have your financial info if you use paid services.
Show threadNoah GibbsJul 4, 2023

@indri @meercat0 @clifff Usually that sort of thing means you're giving them permission for that API.

For instance, for Location, if you tell the app "no" then they can't collect it. iOS just doesn't give them that info. And those categories *look* like they'd be iOS API calls.

Android is similar but different, but with fewer permissions - an Android app can more often just get your data without asking, though not in every case.

Show threadThe Actual BrianJul 4, 2023
@meercat0 @clifff
...you don't HAVE to use their app. 🤷‍♂️
Show threadMeercat ✅ 
Jul 4, 2023
@TheActualBrian @clifff Sure, I don’t have to, and I don’t use their app as a matter a fact. But it turns out most people don’t even check what they are giving away by using these apps. I have a hard time trying to explain them that privacy online in important
Show threadThe Actual BrianJul 4, 2023

@meercat0 @clifff

So, no one uses their app.
It's not out yet.

Yeah, it's difficult explaining data collection to non technical people, but you're not their caretaker.

They can use whatever app they want.

They WILL use whatever app they want and if Meta provides one that gives them what they want where others fail, they'll use it.

If people block Meta out of an emotional, knee jerk reaction, they just cut off the rest of us from what will be the biggest server