this post was submitted on 18 Oct 2023

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Privacy

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

submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by narwhal@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

15 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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[–] zingo@lemmy.ca 12 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Man, if you really value your privacy you shouldn't use WhatsApp (difficult of course as everyone uses it)

and social media (difficult as everyone use it), except for Lemmy, Mastodon or Signal !!

Privacy is not an easy path as it's against the whole mainstream society.

But its worth embracing, because it's a human right, even if it's not "comfortable" doing so.

Edit: there is of course other ways of communication like regular phone calls or sending SMS instead of WhatsApp messages. So feel free to liberate yourself.

[–] narwhal@lemmy.ml 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm aware. So even though I have to use them, I try to limit trackings as much as I can.

[–] zingo@lemmy.ca 4 points 10 months ago

If I was forced to use WhatsApp, I would use shelter (or work profile) to separate it from the main profile.

[–] mnoram@lemmy.world 11 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 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 10 months ago (2 children)

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

[–] Redjard@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 10 months 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 10 months ago

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

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 4 points 10 months ago

I don't want to sound like a broken record but Instagram is bad for privacy

[–] Natanael@slrpnk.net 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

You can circumvent it using Intent intercept apps, so unless Whatsapp specifically looks for the APK and call it directly (and just use normal intent URL schemes) then you can simply redirect that request.

[–] ReversalHatchery@beehaw.org 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Don't such apps require root permission to work? If an app directly specifies an other app for opening the link, I don't think you could intercept (or even detect) it with an other app on a regular phone.

[–] Natanael@slrpnk.net 1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Most apps just use a custom intent scheme and thus you can in fact intercept

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aboutmycode.betteropenwith

https://f-droid.org/packages/com.tasomaniac.openwith.floss/

[–] FeelzGoodMan420@eviltoast.org 1 points 10 months ago

Bro just uninstall whatsapp. Like idk what you expect ..