Meredith WhittakerAug 15, 2023

OK, real talk.

Telegram makes big proclamations about privacy, but their promises are mostly marketing.

The app collects a huge amount of data. And like all Big Tech, when pressed by governments, they ultimately comply.

This is why Signal goes to great lengths to NOT collect any data about you -- something that is ironically more expensive and more complex.

We do it because it's the only way to ensure we keep our privacy commitments to the people who rely on us.♥️

https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/14/iraq-lifts-ban-on-telegram-after-messaging-app-complies-with-authorities/

TechCrunch is part of the Yahoo family of brands

Show threadlobingeraAug 15, 2023

@Mer__edith
"This is why Signal goes to great lengths to NOT collect any data about you" - great.

So signing up without handing over the telephone number is working now? How to delete the telephone number from an account i already use?

Show threadMeredith WhittakerAug 15, 2023
@lobingera why did you write this so rudely? What are you hoping to communicate with this?
Show threadBill WoodcockAug 16, 2023
@Mer__edith @lobingera

Meredith, what are you hoping to communicate by saying "real talk" and then disingenuously implying that Signal doesn't "collect any data about you?" Particularly after slamming Telegram for exactly the same thing?

You could just stop collecting data, and then nobody would be rude to you when you say that you don't. Because then you wouldn't be lying.

And no, it is not more expense or complex to not collect data.
Show threadMeredith WhittakerAug 16, 2023

@woody @lobingera Oh hey Bill!

You know that there is NO comparison between Signal and Telegram when it comes to data collection, and claiming otherwise to score message board points is the kind of thing that misinforms people with less knowledge than you have.

You also know that there's a significant difference in complexity and computational expense between dumping everything plaintext in sql database and encrypting it rigorously, so I'm not sure why you're claiming otherwise.

Show threadQuinn NortonAug 18, 2023
@Mer__edith @woody @lobingera requiring and collecting numbers is incredibly problematic. Having worked on securing battered women, this is often the weakest link and how they and their children can be retraumatized, especially when their partners are in positions of power. I’ve watched how much of a headache this is even for the most sophisticated user, it’s an utter nightmare for dissidents and victims of domestic violence.
Show threadQuinn NortonAug 18, 2023
@Mer__edith @woody @lobingera and signal’s best in class reputation is a nightmare here too, there’s nothing left jabber-like to point people to as an easy option to keep them safe.
Show threadQuinn Norton

@Mer__edith @woody @lobingera anyway the number requirement is like saying we keep all your data safe but publish your home address on the internet have fun with that.

I mean quite often it’s literally that depending on situation and jurisdiction.

Aug 18, 2023 at 11:06amWeb