Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) is notorious for violating privacy rules. In fact, it sometimes violates its own privacy policies. And there have been reports that the company sells your private messages to advertisers. So, it becomes critical for users to protect their privacy. A survey of Facebook quitters revealed that more than 50% of participants had left the social networking site over privacy concerns.
Encrypt your Facebook chat-room conversations with Cryptocat
But there is a way to encrypt your private messages. Chat encryption tool Cryptocat announced in a blog post Monday that it has unveiled its latest update, which provides full encryption of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) private messages. Cryptocat lets users encrypt their chat-room messages with a browser extension. It also has a free iPhone app that encrypts messages sent through iOS, and will soon launch an Android version. Most of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’s 1.28 billion worldwide users are concerned what the company is doing with their private data. Cryptocat browser add-on is quite easy to install. It works by turning your Facebook contact list into Cryptocat buddy lists. However, it requires both users in the conversation to have the extension installed.
How will Facebook respond to the encryption tool?
A large number of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) users may not be concerned about privacy because they don’t use private messages for serious and important talks. But those who discuss things that are really private, and should remain private, may consider adding Cryptocat’s tool. But Cryptocat has certain limitations. Each message sent through Facebook chat is shown as “message encrypted.” So, it’s impossible for Mark Zuckerberg to read them. However, don’t forget that Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has the metadata. The company may not be able to read your messages. But it can still figure out who you chat with, how frequently and from which device. Let’s see how the social networking giant reacts to Cryptocat’s encryption tool. Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) shares gained 0.47% to $60.11 at 12:53 PM EDT on Wednesday.
