In the midst of an on-going tussle between Facebook and privacy, a new case has popped-up, which is making WhatsApp users uncomfortable.
A weird, creepy app has been found, which is tracking WhatsApp users. Such is the level of expertise, that the app is able to predict when a user is likely to be awake and when in bed.
Meanwhile, in a related news, WhatsApp has rolled out a new update, after which changing numbers have become a seamless activity.
We will soon share the differences and its advantages.
Will An App Tracking WhatsApp Users Force #deleteWhatsapp Now?
ChatWatch is the name of a new app, which has employed some algorithm to track and stalk WhatsApp users: without their permission.
As per reports coming in, the app uses WhatsApp’s existing online/offline statuses and notifications and based on that, tracks users.
Such deep is the intrusion, that the app can confidently tell when a user is awake, and when he or she is in bed.
After a stream of reports was filed, the app was removed from Apple App Store but was still available on Google Play store.
However, when we tried to locate the app, it was not found in Play Store as well.
As per a report filed by LifeHacker, the app peeks into the entire address book of your WhatsApp, checks the online/offline statuses, and based on that, inform you when they are likely to check their WhatsApp, and when they are likely to go to bed.
Creepy, for sure.
The report said,
“It’s a creepy new trick that the app’s developers hope will bring more attention to how Facebook handles our data, along with how other companies access and analyse it,”
WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, and if such apps are able to stalk users, then we are sure that #deleteWhatsapp campaign will also kick in, very soon.
The report said,
“It’s also likely that WhatsApp will find a way to block ‘Chatwatch’ soon. So if you want to spy on your friends expose Facebook’s privacy issues, you should try it soon,”
Changing Numbers Becomes Seamless!
As if responding to privacy issues, WhatsApp has now made changing numbers on their app easy and seamless.
As per WhatsApp observer wabetainfo.com, under 2.18.97 Android beta update for the app, the change number activity is easier.
The big changes:
- Notify a specific number of contacts, about your new number. No need to inform everyone. A pretty useful feature.
- Easily transfer the old chats into the new number, without any issue of duplicates.
The new option will be available under Settings –> Account option in WhatsApp.
Do you think WhatsApp is now getting serious about privacy?
Do let us know by commenting right here!