Facebook's 'Privacy' VPN: A Surveillance Goldmine

Posted: 2025-08-01 09:04:24 UTC

@Mario NawfalMarioNawfal

#surveillance

#privacy

#meta

#antitrust

#facebook

#onavo

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This article contains some claims that remain unverified. While much of the content may be accurate, exercise care when relying on this information.

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Last Updated

2025-08-01 09:04:39 UTC

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TL;DR;

Facebook's Onavo VPN, acquired in 2013, was used as a surveillance tool to monitor user data and rival apps, leading to feature clones and acquisitions. Apple banned it in 2018, and Facebook rebranded it as Facebook Research, paying teens for phone access until Apple revoked their privileges in 2019. Meta now faces wiretap and antitrust accusations.

Key Impact Areas

Data surveillance of rival apps

Creation of Instagram Stories

WhatsApp acquisition

Antitrust lawsuits against Meta

Challenges

Snapchat's encrypted traffic

Apple banning Onavo

Lawsuits and accusations of wiretapping

Facebook's 'Privacy' VPN: A Surveillance Goldmine

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Full Thread

Read With Caution

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TL;DR;

Key Impact Areas

Challenges

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