It wasn’t a pretty day for Facebook when it decided to separate Messenger from the main app. The move caused a backlash for the ages and has resulted in countless one-star reviews and news articles denouncing the move and prompted the company to respond.
Facebook’s response, spotted first by TNW, is quite brief but it addresses the app’s permissions and why they’re required. The response in its entirety follows:
“You might have heard the rumors going around about the Messenger app. Some have claimed that the app is always using your phone’s camera and microphone to see and hear what you’re doing. These reports aren’t true, and many have been corrected. Still, we want to address some concerns you might have.
How we actually use the camera and microphone—Like most other apps, we request permission to run certain features, such as making calls and sending photos, videos or voice messages. If you want to send a selfie to a friend, the app needs permission to turn on your phone’s camera and capture that photo. We don’t turn on your camera or microphone when you aren’t using the app.
“We’re committed to providing a fast, reliable and fun messaging app”
Why we’re asking people to install Messenger—We’re committed to providing a fast, reliable and fun messaging app that anyone in the world can use to reach the people who matter to them. That’s why we’re focusing just on Messenger and moving messages out of the Facebook app. People usually respond about 20% faster when they have Messenger, and we think they’ll find both apps useful in different ways. We hope you’ll try out Messenger and enjoy everything else you can do with the app, like chatting with groups and sending stickers.”
Will this response be enough to stem the backlash? Only time will tell. What do you think? Has it eased your mind regarding Messenger? Let us know in the comments!