Elon Musk targets WhatsApp over user data privacy
The Hindu
Elon Musk claimed that Meta-owned WhatsApp exported users’ data every night
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has claimed that Meta-owned WhatsApp exported users’ data every night.
This accusation surfaced after a user on X, Mario Nawfal, claimed that WhatsApp transfers user data daily for analysis and targeted advertising, turning users into products rather than customers.
Musk responded on Saturday, affirming, “WhatsApp exports your user data every night,” and expressed disbelief that some people still consider the app secure.
Meta and WhatsApp are yet to address Musk’s claims.
(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)
In a notable reply, computer programmer and video game developer John Carmack questioned the evidence behind Musk’s statement. Carmack acknowledged that while usage patterns and metadata might be collected, he believed that message contents remain secure by default unless a bot is invoked in the conversation.
The reply reads “Is there any evidence that the content of messages is ever scanned or transmitted? I assume usage patterns and routing metadata is collected, and if you invoke a bot in a conversation you are obviously opening it up, but I am still under the impression that the message contents are secure by default.”
Tamil Nadu's Maternal Mortality Ratio drops to 39.4 and Infant Mortality Rate to 7.7, aiming for zero maternal deaths.
Low pressure forms in the Bay; heavy rain likely in parts of Andhra Pradesh from November 25, says IMD. The weather system may intensify into a depression around November 25, it says.
APIIC's water supply failure impacts 300 industries in Andhra Pradesh, causing production losses worth crores.
UDF retains Palakkad by 18,840 votes, LDF defends Chelakkara by 12,201 votes in Kerala byelections.
Supreme Court criticizes CAQM for inadequate response to Delhi's severe air pollution, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and enforcement.
Supreme Court Justice praises late Chief Justice Lakshmana Rao for legal excellence and altruism at commemoration event.
Independent candidate Shivaji Patil injured in fire during victory celebration, along with women, after winning Chandgad Assembly constituency.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discusses 'Brand Bharat' as a statement of authenticity and comfort in one's own identity.
Christian Medical College organizes inter school quiz competition on cardiology to increase heart disease awareness among students.
Kozhikode School Arts Festival ends with City sub-district leading, featuring 12,000 students in 300 events across 20 venues.
Missionaries from USA, France, and Europe aided in the growth of Madras Presidency, benefiting Tamil Nadu in healthcare and education.