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 ✅ 
Jul 4, 2023
@clifff That’s unacceptable. How are they allowed such private information; they should even be allowed to ask for that much
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 Gibbs

@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.

Jul 4, 2023 at 12:14pmWeb