FT News Briefing WhatsApp battles privacy concerns, China tech worker concerns, Microsoft Teams
Jan 13, 2021
WhatsApp is battling privacy concerns after updates to its terms of service, prompting users to flee to alternative apps like Signal. Meanwhile, greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. saw a significant drop during the pandemic. The harsh working conditions in China's tech industry raise ethical questions, as tech firms face scrutiny. On another front, Microsoft Teams has exploded in popularity, growing from 13 million to 115 million users, positioning itself as a key player in the future of online collaboration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Privacy Concerns
- WhatsApp faced a user exodus to Signal and Telegram due to privacy concerns stemming from a terms-of-service update.
- While WhatsApp clarified the update didn't change data sharing practices with Facebook since 2016, concerns linger.
Unintended Consequences
- Elon Musk's tweet "Use Signal" inadvertently caused a surge in Signal Advance stock, not the Signal messaging app.
- However, WhatsApp's privacy policy update caused a genuine user exodus to Signal and Telegram.
Regulatory Scrutiny
- Chinese tech companies face increased scrutiny as public attention focuses on demanding work practices.
- While the current regulatory focus is on antitrust issues, labor practices might face future scrutiny.