Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Facebook Messenger App Controversy


Facebook. Probably one of the most popular, well known and most used social networking site in the world. That little blue and white logo brings joy to many of its users from the games to the ability to talk to any of your friends all over the world. Facebook is always updating, always coming up with new ideas and we the users accept it, but recently the development of Facebooks new messenger app has sparked a massive controversy across the Facebook universe.

For those of you who don’t know the Facebook messenger app is an instant messaging service that allows you to message your Facebook friends quicker using this one app. Doesn’t sound so bad right? Why are people making such a fuss about it?

It’s not about the app itself but the privacy police it entails. People are being led to believe that Facebook messenger app has access to your camera, contacts and microphone without your knowledge. It’s a scary concept and is probably giving people lots of flashbacks to all those sci-fi movies. For most people giving technology that much power over you is quite frightening, and it makes you think that it’s going to take over and all the predictions of technology enslaving mankind are coming true. But the fact still remains could such a big company as Facebook really get away with taking photos of people sleeping? Or calling people without your knowledge?

The truth is that the privacy policy isn’t that much different than other popular sited like Snapchat or Instagram. Facebook needs access to your camera if you want to take a picture and send it; Facebook needs access to your microphone if you want to video call someone. The key word in the policy is PERMISSION. You are asked several times if you give the app permission to do all these things so it is completely up to you if you allow it or don’t allow it.

The app is causing a massive debate because a lot of people are jumping to conclusions. Both sides of the debate are not letting up, will Facebook listen?

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1 comment:

  1. Rachael, this is beautifully written and well thought out blog post - I couldn't be more impressed!!
    A couple of spelling/grammar issues present (policy, not police), but I LOVED it!

    It was well researched and you have considered both sides of the story.

    Cant wait till the next one!

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