Social Media Today: WhatsApp Responds, Fave People Test, & Paper Content
By Melony Roy
WhatsApp sets the record straight
WhatsApp, the standalone messaging app that Facebook recently purchased says it's not in the business of data collecting.
WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum took to the company's blog to address concerns that its recent acquisition may mean user data will be shared or that more will be collected.
"If partnering with Facebook meant that we had to change our values, we wouldn't have done it. Instead, we are forming a partnership that would allow us to continue operating independently and autonomously. Our fundamental values and beliefs will not change. Our principles will not change. Everything that has made WhatsApp the leader in personal messaging will still be in place. Speculation to the contrary isn't just baseless and unfounded, it's irresponsible. It has the effect of scaring people into thinking we're suddenly collecting all kinds of new data. That's just not true, and it's important to us that you know that"
Unlike other social networks, WhatsApp doesn't collect basic information like user email addresses or birthday.
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Twitter testing a new feature
Twitter is reportedly testing a "Fave People" timeline that groups preferred users in one section.
According to TechCrunch, the feature is being tested among a small group of Android users and is essentially a more user-friendly version of Twitter's "Lists."
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Facebook partnering with TED for content
Facebook and the TED conference (the acronym for technology, entertainment, and design) have announced a content collaboration for Paper.
The ideas section of Paper will feature TED material exclusively during its TED2014 conference. The content will include posts from attendees, blog posts, and TED Talks videos.
This is the first time that paper has collaborated with any outside group for content.
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Follow KYW social media editor Melony Roy @MelonyRoy.
