What is #Allo? A Google app that records every message you ever send and makes it available to police upon request. https://t.co/EdPRC0G7Py
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 21, 2016
Google Allo released for Android and iOS! https://t.co/scdI3ah1w5 pic.twitter.com/jKDOD9oSM6
— TechnoBuffalo (@TechnoBuffalo) September 22, 2016
However, the latest version of the messaging app that Google is rolling out, will store users' messages indefinitely on its servers that are accessible to Google's algorithms — and will remain there unless the user goes out of their way to actively delete them.
Basically, Google will have full access to your conversation history in the messaging app and should any law enforcement agency fancy a peek, the messages will be accessible.
There is a way to turn off Google's data collection in Allo by switching to an "incognito" setting but then you forfeit any of the app's unique features.
"We've given users transparency and control over their data in Google Allo," a spokesperson for the Internet giant said.
"And our approach is simple — your chat history is saved for you until you choose to delete it. You can delete single messages or entire conversations in Allo… We also provide the option to chat in incognito mode, where messengers are end-to-end encrypted and you can set a timer to automatically delete messages for your device and the person you're chatting with's device at a set time."
Why would anyone download #Allo, Google’s new app? @kateknibbs on what it brings to the table (spoiler: nothing) https://t.co/ZRrO8u6YlT
— The Ringer (@ringer) September 22, 2016
For messages to be secure, they have to be encrypted before they leave your device and only read by the person the message is intended for. End-to-end encryption is like having a key and a door that fits together.
However, according to recent reports, there a five secure messengers for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry.
Signal Private Messenger, is a free secure messenger service for Android and iOS.
A safer alternative to Whatsapp @WhisperSystems Signal https://t.co/XabFnFboxP
— Tommaso Scannicchio (@tomascann) September 22, 2016
Blackberry Messenger, whose users are identified by a unique personal identification number (PIN) not by their cellphone number or email address.
Kik? Whatapp? Skype? Txt+, the list goes on and on but nothing compares to the original, secure @BlackBerry Messenger! @BBM
— Pat ☆ Wallace (@PatWallace) March 3, 2015
Gliph, can be used on the go on your smartphone or in the office on your desktop. You can also permanently delete messages from your device as well as the recipient's device.
I dont use DMs theyre not secure you can contact me via GLIPH TKrypt
— TKrypt (@TheKryptonian__) July 22, 2015
Wickr lets you set an expiry date on every message you send.
Whatsapp? Ello? Messenger? Telegram?. No.
— Miss Penny Lane (@rociorecalde17) September 21, 2016
En #MrRobot los hackers usan Wickr. https://t.co/M5eP5USDTA
Telegram, allows you to program your messages to self-destruct from two devices at a chosen time.
What do my hacker friends think of WickrMe and Telegram: secure? pic.twitter.com/nDkyR8b50Q
— jwaggo (@jwaggo) September 21, 2016
But what would Snowden use?
In seriousness, this is a complex question for which there is no one right answer. But relative to #Allo, Signal is safer for normal users.
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 21, 2016
Use Tor. Use Signal. https://t.co/VLvBsbVHKs
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 21, 2016
So, before the Internet has even has a chance to say "allo" it appears privacy campaigner Edward Snowden's "goodbye Google" has dealt the tech giant an welcome blow.
