Privacy

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Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

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WhatsApp is ignoring default browser setting for Instagram links. (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by narwhal@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

13 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Possibly another scummy behavior from fucking Meta.

So I try my best to avoid url tracking. I set the default browser on my android phone to this app: https://github.com/TrianguloY/UrlChecker

I also made sure to turn off the "Open supported links" settings from aps like Instagram.

So usually, if someone shares Instagram links to WhatsApp, usually with the url tracking, I can clean them up first using UrlChecker before opening it in Instagram app.

Recently I noticed if I tap on Instagram links, WhatsApp will immediately open it in Instagram, ignoring Android's default browser setting to open the link with UrlChecker first.

I thought something was broken, but if I open non-instagram links, those will open UrlChecker app.

Can you please help check if the behavior is the same on your side? So I can be sure that I'm not crazy. Thanks!

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[–] mnoram@lemmy.world 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

This might be the "Open by default" setting that is now per app in Android. Insta has "9 verified links" that will just open it instead of the default browser. Go to app settings, Instagram, Open by default, and uncheck Open supported links.

[–] narwhal@lemmy.ml 14 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I've done that. That's the issue.

[–] Redjard@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 year ago

Can you install a detailled permission control app like Permission Manager X and disable whatsapps permission to see the list of installed apps?
If it thinks instagram isn't installed, it ought to fall back on using the regular url system if its ignoring that purposefully here, right?

[–] mnoram@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Oh yeah, your 3rd sentence... I don't pay attention to details well