Facebook Messenger: SMS option controversial, social network right

Facebook Messenger is now available as an SMS app. It’s a very practical option, but it could still become a problem soon. Its app will not comply with the regulations that Google imposes on Android apps.

Recently, it is possible to use the messaging client Facebook Messenger as the default SMS application. Once the update has been downloaded, the home screen will suggest making it your default SMS client with a single “OK” button which will have the effect of disabling your current SMS client to use the social network in the square.

So, of course, you don’t have to agree and you can continue to use your usual email client. All you have to do is click “Settings”. But the problem that this screen does No “no” button, nor the option to jump into direct conversations and decide later. But as the American journalist Amir Efrati reminds, the user can easily disable the SMS application unintentionally and unknowingly, replacing it with Facebook Messenger.

As he claimed in a tweet he sent recently, it is an application that violates the Google Play Store rules. Engadget challenging this lawsuit, Get advice directly from Google and Facebook. Although the American giant has not made its own statement for now, the social network has released an official statement:

“SMS Messenger is an optional feature. People can choose whether they want to use it or not. When they see the invitation, they can choose to show or not show their SMS in Messenger by clicking on “Settings” (…) Messenger does not change the settings of the device without user review. »

• Also read: all Facebook Messenger tricks you need to know

Technically speaking, Facebook is telling the truth, but in principle it’s far from that clear. In any case, we look forward to Google’s opinion on the matter.

VERY aggressive prompt by Facebook to add SMS @reporter. There is no “no” button. Violation of Google Play rules? pic.twitter.com/7tZzAE5MGh

— Amir Efrati (@amir) 20 June 2016