News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:Facebook Portal – Privacy review by zhobbs on Wednesday November 27, 2019 @12:05PM (#21649630)
I'm considering purchasing one. In general, I value convenience and personalization over privacy. I completely don't relate to the idea of relevant ads being a bad thing.

Anyways, as someone who spends a lot of time panning a laptop or iPad to track a toddler who is FaceTiming grandma, this device solves an important problem for us.

Re:Facebook Portal – Privacy review by starbugs on Wednesday November 27, 2019 @12:36PM (#21649987)
The problem is it doesn't end with relevant ads. It doesn't even end with Cambridge Analytica. The business model of Facebook is absolutely clear. You are the product and the currency is you. If they can convert that to real $ they'll do it by any means without thinking about the implications. FB has proven again and again that they are incapable of considering or do not want to consider the wider implications of their actions. It's absolutely toxic and your actions today will define the future your children will be living in tomorrow. I personally think that it would be great if that future wasn't 1984 on steroids.
Re:Facebook Portal – Privacy review by monkeynotes on Wednesday November 27, 2019 @12:27PM (#21649883)
I think this is the truth of the world we live in. People want this stuff so bad that they are willing to give away a lot in exchange.

The other component is apathy, many people are just resigned to the fact that they will be surveilled one way or another.

I can foresee huge implications for all of this, it doesn't take much to get from here to using these devices to aid law enforcement. I know the argument is 'if you have nothing to hide... it keeps the kids safe...' but it all smells of a conformist dystopia.

Edit: I have a bunch of Google Homes, I count myself in the apathetic group, sadly.

Re:Facebook Portal – Privacy review by fossuser on Wednesday November 27, 2019 @04:01PM (#21652102)
I think there are also acceptable trade-offs.

The video is encrypted and content from the call cannot be used. If this was not the case I wouldn't buy it.

The other things they say they'll use from it are in line with what I already expect from having a FB account in the first place.

The portal even has a built in camera cover/off switch in hardware.