Leaks and user privacy continues to be a hot topic. Whether it is for compromising sensitive information, for scandals of espionage or for not respecting, simply and plainly, user privacy Of course, when playing with fire, these things are more likely to happen. Something that fits very well with the latest scandal in this regard, which fully hits the Whisper application and its users.A tool created to release secrets in a supposedly anonymous way, and which has just been shown to be less so.
This was published by the British newspaper The Guardian And they have discovered that the application that supposedly protects the anonymity of its users to allow them to communicate things they might not otherwise do, yes retains and shares some of their data More specifically your location But it doesn't end there. And it is that, in addition to knowing from where they publish these comments, secrets and confessions, they sharewith other organizations such as the United States Department of Defense Issues that will make more than one user's hair stand on end.
It appears that Whisper is storing user geolocation data.Even of those who have deactivated this option in the settings Something that the British newspaper flatly denied in their investigation. However, just four days after contacting them, the Whisper company modified its terms of use to introduce the ability to record and store user data. Of course, general location data that, in theory, protects your privacy, being able to only know your position in an area of 500 meters of margin
Notably, it has been confirmed that Whisper is collaborating with the Department of Defense of the United States Unidos, sharing user information with them. Although they claim not to transmit specific data of the user such as their name, they do work to reduce the number of suicides and other issues discussed in the app, which is often used as a means of escape or confession at US military bases
Apart from this issue, and as seems to be usual in the technological world, the company has collaborated with the MI5 and the FBI in cases in which there could be a risk of attack or in which the life of a user could be at risk. Of course, according to The Guardian, Whisper would also store user data in a database where they can be easily searched. They have also confirmed that they monitor information that may be newsworthy or of interest. And it seems too juicy to handle information knowing where it comes from without making use of it.
Therefore, despite offering a relatively anonymous platform for other users where you can post all kinds of secrets and confessions, you don't have to losing sight of the fact that such content is analyzed and may be subject to investigation by organizations international security, as well as other companies that can collaborate with WhisperTherefore, a not-so-secret place where to confess what has been done or what is planned to be done.
