Once again, Facebook is in hot water concerning — you guessed it — the privacy of its users.
Recently, the social media behemoth announced that everyone who uses the Facebook mobile app must download Facebook Messenger if they want to communicate with friends through the site’s chat.
The public originally took issue with the fact that they had no choice in downloading the extra app, but an uprising of rumors claiming this was another way for Facebook to gain access to the private files of users has raised the suspicions of many.
Facebook has had its fair share of issues when it comes to topics like this, but how can any of us really be sure the rumors about Messenger are true?
Communications experts like Tulane University professor Ashley Nelson have said many of the claims made about Messenger are false, including reports that the app will access the microphone and cameras of smartphones in order to spy on people in Big Brother-esque fashion.
Even Facebook itself has spoken out against these theories, saying that none of the negative press is based on fact.
With voices on the issue coming from every possible direction, it’s becoming apparent that the only way to truly understand what is fact or fiction about Facebook Messenger is to actually try it out yourself.
Yes, the app does ask for permission to access photos and other content on your phone, but it’s highly unlikely that there’s any malicious intent behind such actions.
Also, remember that downloading Messenger is optional; if you’re still not sold on adding it to your app library, just forget about it and stick to the standard means of communication like text messaging and video chat.
The choice is yours, social media users.
