Proton MailJul 7, 2023
So #Meta's new #Threads app needs your health and fitness info. It also needs your browsing history and your location, and your purchases, and...well, it seems to need everything. If you want to get fully creeped out, here's the whole #privacy policy: https://privacycenter.instagram.com/policy/.
Meta Privacy Policy - How Meta collects and uses user data

Learn how we collect, use and share user data to support Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and more. Use tools to manage your privacy preferences.

Show threadpierreJul 7, 2023
@protonmail do DNS sinkholes such as AdGuard, nextdns, ControlD or even a VPN such as Proton and Mullvad prevent these trackers?
Show threadJames Wells

@breadandwater @protonmail
Not really. The app is collecting it at the device itself instead of from the internet ingress point.

Yes, AdGuard can provide some protections, but not much at all. :(

Jul 7, 2023 at 8:33pmWeb
Show threadpierreJul 7, 2023
@nikatjef @protonmail so is it making local calls to collect the data? But then once it has the data, what does it do with it and how? Would it not have to make some end point call somewhere?
Show threadJames WellsJul 7, 2023

@breadandwater @protonmail
Not sure you level of Tech understanding so I apologize if this is too simplistic, but...

The app will collect the data and make it part of the app's communication with the Threads server. Since it is internal to the connection, tools like VPNs will not even see it, while tools like AdGuard are unable to insert themselves into the outbound communication they can't intercept and "replace" incoming "undesired" data.

Show threadpierreJul 7, 2023
@nikatjef @protonmail interesting. Appreciate the explanation.
Show threadpierreJul 8, 2023

@nikatjef saw the latest update by AdGuard on GitHub includes in-app tracker blocking. Not sure how well it works if at all

“AdGuard v4.5 for iOS now includes system-wide tracking protection, which allows you to block in-app trackers that can discreetly collect user data”

https://github.com/AdguardTeam/AdGuardForiOS/releases

Releases · AdguardTeam/AdguardForiOS

The most advanced ad blocker for iOS. Contribute to AdguardTeam/AdguardForiOS development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub
Show threadJames WellsJul 9, 2023
@breadandwater
Very cool. Thank you for the update. I don't use iPhone, but I know a number of people who do and I am sure they will like this added protection.