WhatsApp

[benjaminbutton]

For a long time now we have had the above installed in all our our phones and 90% of our friends in TRNC are connected, together with 99% of UK friends and family. I have been reading more and more articles on the effect it will have on security and their connection with Facebook. Personally I don't have Facebook (I think its a nuisance and intrusive) and won't have it, but am concerned that if we change to another system of "free" communication then we'll lose touch with friends and family, if they don't change as well. Some months ago I believed it was scaremongering being used by other media methods, but after closely studying articles there does seem to be some worrying aspects. If I do uninstall WhatsApp, what other methods would Forum members recommend as I know little or nothing about the subject. It must be something that friends and family would have no objections to using!!

[Soner]

Facetime, Viber and/or Skype.

[Brazen]

I have Signal app and that works very similarly to WhatsApp. It’s free, and as long as you can persuade your friends and family to use it you can ditch WhatsApp. No reason why those that want to stay with WhatsApp can’t do so but use signal as well. I have no intention of letting WhatsApp share my personal data so won’t sign up for it.

[benjaminbutton]

Brazen, I wish I were as confident as you that they won't share with Facebook, unless you actually stop using it and/or uninstall WhatsApp, You don't get nothing for nothing and I suspect there will eventually be a charge, even though it will still be end to end encrypted. We also use Skype for business calls to UK etc. Who owns and controls Facetime and Viper?

[Tinlough 2]

Viber, I believe is registered in Cyprus and FaceTime is owned by Apple. I use FT and WhatsApp but as you, not Facebook. You are right very little is "free". Our privacy and much loved 'Del boy' anonymity thru' our implicit consent to tech companies has allowed them to put a price on our digital footprint and the state has legislated to access it. From the time we get up and our Hive heating kicks in and our smart meter registers the kettle switching on, to the SIM card in the car, our data is gathered, stored and available. Do I like it, no, not one bit!!.....but have now settled to go with the flow. Signal is funded by large benefactors and donations in an effort to remain above the privacy debate, however, how long they will last on that business model is anyones guess. So I just have the odd Meldrew moment every now and again.

[Toradoshi]

Not sure it affects you if you, haven’t got Facebook then they can’t share anything you’ve got.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/13981279/ ... ook-delay/

[Panchocat]

I use Telegram alongside WhatsApp. As easy and efficient as WhattsApp.

[alphamike]

I read that it doesn't apply to UK and EU countries, but that it does to the rest of the world with WhatsApp, although you still do have to agree to their new terms. Whether it applies to us in TRNC I have no idea, or are we treated as being in EU being in Cyprus?

[Monie]

I use Telegram alongside WhatsApp. As easy and efficient as WhattsApp.GBWhatsApp APK

I tried telegram but didn't find as efficient as WhatsApp. Its interface is also a little complex for me. So, i only use WhatsApp. My friends and colleague also use it. It's more of a reason to use WhatsApp.

[dwr]

Is WhatsApp possible on an iPad?. FaceTime is unavailable on Dubai bought Apple goods.

[PoshinDevon]

Is WhatsApp possible on an iPad?. FaceTime is unavailable on Dubai bought Apple goods.

It is possible and there is an app for it. It’s called MessengerDuo for WhatsApp. It does work but not as seemlessly as WhatsApp itself. There are adverts.

[alphamike]

Is WhatsApp possible on an iPad?. FaceTime is unavailable on Dubai bought Apple goods.

Is it possible to install Facetime and WhatsApp on Dubai bought Apple goods by changing your location and/or using a VPN? I had no idea about this ban.

[Hammerhead]

Google chat seems ok