Venmo Refuses To Say Why Transactions Are Public By Default (zdnet.com)

Venmo, the mobile payments app, won't say why it exposes users' data to the world whenever they make a transaction. ZDNet: Hang Do Thi Duc, a Berlin-based privacy researcher found that every time someone sent or received money using the PayPal-owned mobile app (which had over seven million users in 2017), the transaction was "public" by default and was broadcast on Venmo's API. In other words, everyone can see your transactions -- even without the app. The company did not respond to ZDNet's queries, but in a blanket statement said it takes privacy of users seriously.

Further reading: People Are Using Venmo To Spy On Cheating Spouses.

Comments

Perceived network effect and gamification

[perpenso]

Venmo Refuses To Say Why Transactions Are Public By Default

Its an attempt to increase users and usage through a perceived network effect and through gamification.

Re:Perceived network effect and gamification

[Anonymous Coward]

Its an attempt to increase users and usage through a perceived network effect and through gamification. [1]

Re:why not?

[neonv]

Most people won't realize their transactions are public. Hence the privacy issue.

I'll tell you why

[JustAnotherOldGuy]

"Venmo, the mobile payments app, won't say why it exposes users' data to the world whenever they make a transaction"

I'll tell you why....the reason is because they don't give a shit about you or your privacy.

You're welcome.