Onavo Shutdown Raises Questions About Data Privacy

Onavo's shutdown has left many wondering about the implications for data privacy. Onavo was acquired by Facebook in 2013, and its app was used by millions of people worldwide.

Onavo's primary function was to compress data traffic, allowing users to browse the internet more efficiently. However, this also meant that Onavo was collecting data on users' online activities.

This data collection was done without users' explicit consent, raising concerns about the lack of transparency and control over personal data. Facebook's acquisition of Onavo was a significant moment in the history of data privacy.

Onavo's shutdown is a stark reminder that companies can collect and use our data in ways we may not fully understand.

If this caught your attention, see: Protect by Onavo

Facebook has finally closed its Onavo VPN app, which was collecting user data without their consent.

The app was removed from the Google Play Store after being removed from the iOS App Store six months prior.

Facebook will continue to function as a VPN for a short while to give users time to seek out an alternative.

The company is ending its practice of conducting unpaid market research programs, but will continue to do so through paid research studies.

Onavo was responsible for gathering data on users' app usage, mobile and Wi-Fi data usage, device and country information, and website visits.

The app's code shared with the Facebook Research app, which paid teenagers up to $20 a month for access to their phone activity data.

Facebook's decision to close Onavo comes after controversy erupted last year over the app's data collection practices.

The company will now focus on reward-based market research, ending the Onavo program as a result.

Here are some key points about Facebook's decision to close Onavo:

Facebook closed its Onavo VPN app due to the controversy surrounding user data collection. The app was collecting sensitive information about users, including their device and internet usage, without their explicit consent.

The company was paying people to install the app, which was a major red flag. Facebook's paid data collection program was also a concern, as it raised questions about the company's motives and respect for user privacy.

In response to the backlash, Facebook decided to end its Onavo program and focus on reward-based market research instead. This means that users will no longer be incentivized to install the app and share their data.

Apple's App Store policies also played a role in the closure of the Onavo app. The company had previously removed the iOS version of the Facebook Research app due to concerns about data collection. Facebook's Onavo app was also found to be violating Apple's rules about data collection.

The controversy surrounding Onavo highlights the importance of transparency and user consent in data collection. Facebook's actions demonstrate the need for companies to be more mindful of user privacy and to prioritize transparency in their data collection practices.

Here are the key reasons for the closure of the Onavo app: