My spyware got enshittified, now comes with a subscription

99 points · 19 comments · view on lemmy.world

19 Comments

Schwim@lemmy.zip · 19 pts · 12d

It's a Meta product so the only surprise regarding this would be if you were surprised that it happened.

SaharaMaleikuhm@feddit.org · 16 pts · 12d (7 replies)

I deleted it and switched to Signal some time ago. Zero regrets

daggermoon@piefed.world · 17 pts · 12d (6 replies)

If I could just get other people to switch to it.

kettuli@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 12d (3 replies)

You simply set an away message and stop using it.

NeatNit@discuss.tchncs.de · 10 pts · 11d (2 replies)

In many countries including mine, it is such a fundamental form of communications that this amounts to becoming a hermit. I have two choices: either keep using WhatsApp, or:

  • cut contact with almost my entire family (yes, I tried to get them to switch, no bueno)
  • lose access to the best support communication option for most businesses
  • miss updates and communications for groups (work, school, classes, etc.), including things like cancelled or rescheduled events
  • make it harder for me to meet new people
  • miss messages from delivery guys
  • etc...

It gives me no pleasure to say this. Not using WhatsApp is not an option. I tried it for a time, when I was at my worst mental state. It didn't work out.

I still don't give WhatsApp phone permissions, which causes it to refuse to connect voice/video calls (even though it clearly doesn't need this permission). Even this sometimes causes some annoyance, as people try to call me via WhatsApp and I can't answer. I have to copy their number and call them normally. Small price to pay, I guess.

orenishii@feddit.nl · 2 pts · 11d (1 reply)

Same here but I’m surprised how many people would switch without too much fuss. Got my parents/sister, friends and a lot of work colleagues on signal. If they are not there than backup to whatsfuckingapp. So just keep trying i’m trying to say :)

NeatNit@discuss.tchncs.de · 4 pts · 11d

I'm surprised how many people vehemently refuse to switch and think I'm being insane. It's a cultural thing I guess.

WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 8d

now it has just become easier

silenttype39@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 10d
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FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.website · 6 pts · 12d (7 replies)

WhatsApp used to cost money until then Facebook bought it.

Wispy2891@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 12d (6 replies)

But a symbolic amount Like $1/lifetime

Cris16228@lemmy.today · 5 pts · 12d (5 replies)

Was more like 3-4 bucks/year

starlinguk@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 12d (4 replies)

Not in Europe.

Cris16228@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 10d (2 replies)

Dude I'm from Europe so I know what I'm talking about. I used to renew whatsapp for people and was NOT 1/lifetime

This was price long time ago

WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 8d (1 reply)

I was using it for years with family. we did not pay anything for it

Cris16228@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 7d

Then was different in different regions?? For us, it was like this for years

SirLeToet@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 12d

It was paid first in the netherlands.

It wasnt free for me until I got my Lumia. Paying eventually became optional a few years before the takeover.

ohshit604@lemmy.halstead.host · 6 pts · 12d

If you use it, use the web-app version whenever possible, the experience will be shittier but at least its not a executable application that can run arbitrary code on your device without your knowledge.

LiveLM@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 9d

I saw that too.
Paying more for the ability to pin more than 3 chats lmao fuck off.

brokenwing@discuss.tchncs.de · 2 pts · 12d

I fucking hate it now. Used to be good. Now every single shit is on sending me their promotions on there.