Privacy with WhatsApp and Uber?

phrentic

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a Pixel 6a (currently using OnePlus 5T with /e/OS).

Though one of the reasons I'm still not sure, is by how far GrapheneOS enhances privacy, when you end up using apps such as WhatsApp and Uber (which I'm forced to at times). I'm aware these would be 'sandboxed', though I don't really understand what that means for privacy when for these apps to function properly they collect all kinds of user data.

What would be the privacy advantages of using GrapheneOS with apps such as WhatsApp and Uber? And are there specific things in graphene I should do the enhance privacy when using these kind of data grabbing apps?

Thanks and apologies if this is dumb question. I've read the FAQs, but would like to hear more.

evalda

phrentic Re: Uber, you can use it in a browser... It kind of sucks but works for riders.

Themble

I think that using GrapheneOS is always a security enhancement. As for your case I would recommend to install these two apps in a separate user profile. On the one hand this gives you certainty that they don't mess about unless you open the profile. On the other hand you can offer them a dedicated phonebook in that profile which contains only the numbers the apps need instead of all your contacts.

Whatnoww

Additionally, at least try to use Signal to communicate. It provides the same features as WhatsApp with additional privacy protecting measurements (basically WhatsApp without all the spying). It doesn't need to replace it outright but at least being available on it is a good move.

c57

evalda +1 I use Uber / Lyft as progressive web apps and haven't had any issue

phrentic

c57 Is there anything you do to set up a PWA for uber? Is it simply just running it in the browser?

thanks

marakas

phrentic I just run it in the browser. The only limitation I have seen is that you cannot add extra stops to your ride, you can only add a pickup location and a drop-off location.

c57

phrentic Go to the uber website on any browser and sign in -> tap the three dots menu -> "Add to Home screen"

Edit: Just tested - you have to sign in first for it to be added as a proper PWA

OpenSource-Ghost

There is little privacy to WhatsApp messaging service. Your conversations are encrypted, but the rest of the metadata is available to Facebook, authorities, data brokers, etc. Pen & trance order for WhatsApp reveals your contacts list, who you contact, when, phone battery level, and enough of other metadata to profile and geofence you. WhatsApp pen & trace order provides live data on you. GrapheneOS and/or VPN help in prevening leaks of information that aren't supposed to be there by design/regulation/standard, but they can't do much about services that are allowed to provide whichever data about you based on their privacy policies.

Use Signal.

phrentic

OpenSource-Ghost Yes, I use signal too.

Unfortunately, some groups I maintain contact with & overseas family members only know of whatsapp. It's really frustrating how big tech traps us, whether people not caring about data privacy, or convenience, or network effects (not enough people on other services), or believing there are no viable alternatives. (Sorry, going off topic).

Kenny33

OpenSource-Ghost

Sorry to reply to an old thread but can you provide any more details about WhatsApp privacy or any links for me to do further reading? I’m surprised to learn it’s so bad from a privacy standpoint and use it pretty regularly with non signal friends as I assumed it is better than normal sms…

adelina

GrapheneOS provides you a trustworthy environment and app sandbox to use the permission settings of each app to limit spying capacities.

protonuser2

adelina Uber still makes calls in the background to google ads and other data collectors. You can block all permissions but of course need internet enabled, so theyll still be collecting all this