Facebook Messenger App May Not Be As Bad As Some Were Led To Believe
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – You have probably heard all of the hoopla about the new (and soon to be mandatory) Facebook Messenger app on Android devices.
Some have claimed "it sends text messages to your contacts," or "it can read all of your personal information!" Luckily, this is not really the case.
When it comes to having access to your pictures and videos, Facebook explains the permission is so YOU, the user, can easily send photos and videos to your contacts while using the Messenger app, not so Facebook can randomly send your friends embarrassing selfies.
Also, if it asks for access to your device's audio, this permission is so you can send voice messages, make free voice calls and send videos to your friends while using the Messenger app.
And if it asks for access to your text messages, Facebook explains, this permission simply allows you to confirm your phone number by receiving the confirmation code that Facebook will send via text message.
Debunking another myth, Facebook is not going to call your contacts. The reason it asks for permission to your contacts is because the app allows you to easily call a Messenger contact by tapping on the person's phone number, which is found in a menu within your message thread with the contact.
Lastly, the Messenger app may ask for permission to read your contacts. This permission allows you to add your phone contacts as Messenger contacts IF you choose to do so. Keep in mind, if it makes you uneasy, you can always stop syncing your phone contacts by going to your Messenger settings.
Despite the clarification, some Facebook users are still upset with the app. One user comments, "I hate it, it should not force u to install it if u don't want it."
Another adds, "Stupid! Shouldn't be forced to download it! I refuse to."
Tell us, are you going to use the Messenger App? Weigh in on our Facebook page!
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