All VPNs do is route information through a third-party server online, but paired with traffic encryption, they can prevent governments and service providers from spying on users. That’s why when Facebook started directing users to a VPN called Onavo Protect, many jumped at the chance to download. But now, analysts are telling people to uninstall it. Turns out that Facebook owns Onavo, according to Business Insider, and it’s been using it to keep tabs on which apps people use, even when Facebook is closed. According to Business Insider writer Rachel Sandler, Facebook has already used Onavo to influence business decisions, such as adding group video chat functionality to stifle the growth of Houseparty, which provides just that. The irony of a VPN being used to spy on users isn’t lost on Social, which gives Onavo 68 percent negatives. –Hugo Guzman
Republished from 30dB