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When FOMO Trumps Privacy: The @joinClubhouse Edition
(This is the first in a series of posts I'm writing about Clubhouse's privacy encroachments) https://link.medium.com/XgAQM8I3Zdb
(This is the first in a series of posts I'm writing about Clubhouse's privacy encroachments) https://link.medium.com/XgAQM8I3Zdb
@joinclubhouse collects peopleâs personal information even before they engage with the app. This design is problematic because a user cannot consent on behalf of others. Moreover, this begs the question of whether Clubhouse is creating shadow profiles of non-users.
@joinClubhouse asks users to connect with their Twitter accounts to find connections. It says that it will be able to see usersâ Tweets (including protected Tweets), profile information and account settings, and the accounts that users follow, block, and mute on Twitter. Why?
@joinClubhouse claims it anonymizes user info uploaded to its servers, but this is doubtful. Data protection laws like the EUâs GDPR set a high standard in defining âanonymized dataâ as data rendered anonymous in such a way that an individual data subject is not identifiable.
@joinClubhouse engages in dark patterns in getting users to give access to their contacts and their Twitter information. A couple of examples:
@joinClubhouse has not yet been forthcoming about its business model, which could have significant privacy implications as demonstrated by other social media cos. It has announced grants for creators on its platform, but hasnât divulged how it plans to make money for itself.
@joinClubhouse needs to keep up with consumers, regulators, brands like @Apple, and privacy advocates who are in agreement that privacy is one of the critical issues of our time.
Failing to do so means failing on several accounts: failing to build in response to consumer privacy demand, failing to recognize the value of privacy, missing the opportunity to innovate in privacy, and being on the wrong side of history.
Despite what @joinClubhouse user sign-ups might falsely signal, people deep down donât want to keep hanging out in a clubhouse with walls that have ears. /fin
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3536265
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3536265
