True in the sense that Telegram is not a real privacy-respecting alternative. So, it’s a good thing to point out.

My reasons for leaving Meta are more anti-Meta than anything else. For those who have succeeded at using something really private, my respects. I just not had any good alternative without being cut off society.

If I thought there was no difference between Telegram and WhatsApp, I’d have kept using WhatsApp. But yeah, it’s not good option anyway. Just good-enough compromise for me to leave Meta.

I just strongly disagree that people don’t have a choice.

Just to give the full context regarding my opinion: I do live in an EU country in which WhatsApp is the default messaging app and Instagram is where people my age and younger use to keep in touch with their social circle.

It’s been how you’ve said. A lot of people I cannot easily reach out. I’ve managed not to be completely isolated through Telegram.

People I’m really close to me have been kind enough to meet me there. Even some collegues from my previous work. Every time I’ve gone out with them, we’ve talked there.

Now I’m in very few family/friends chat groups (the ones I’m in, I actually care about). There’s less distractions and notifications. So at least that have been an advantage.

Edit 1: Some typos and grammar mistakes.

Edit 2: Also, I can’t say there’s no ocasional friction regarding not using Meta. As you said, I’d be amazing if they had interoperability with other messaging services without tracking me. Things would be a lot easier for me.

Ok, so I should use Meta services anyway guilty-free?

I’m not claiming I’m not being tracked. But in theory, the GDPR should have made that illegal (to my understading) as I’m in the EU.

If the law is just paper anyway, then what’s the point of the discussion?

Not easy, I agree.

I’ve been without any Meta services for 2 years already. In my experience, people have been more understanding regarding that than I initially imagined.

I believe that the choice can be made so I did. I still think most people can. That doesn’t mean I don’t respect the reasons anyone might have to stay.

I just strongly disagree that people don’t have a choice.

Indeed. I can’t know for sure. But the GDPR is supposed to make that illegal.

That’s a different conversation.

I agree, but it’s not like using Meta is mandatory. You can decide not to use their services.

This price is absurd, sure. Even if I trusted Meta, there’s no way I’m paying that.

Having said that, they can charge whatever they want for the service. As company, their prices are up them.

I don’t get why you (no OP specifically, but in general) put it as if you must pay or give up your rights. We can just not use Meta, as many of us already been doing.

GDPR should be there to protect and enforce informed consent. Not to remove people’s ability to decide.

Why sholuld we regulate Meta’s prices and not whatever other suscription service exists out there?