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What is the privacy extension for WhatsApp Firefox?

The WhatsApp privacy extension for Firefox is an add-on that enhances privacy and security when using the WhatsApp web app on the Firefox browser. This extension aims to prevent WhatsApp from tracking user activity and collecting personal data without consent.

What does the WhatsApp privacy extension do?

The key features of the WhatsApp privacy extension include:

  • Preventing WhatsApp from tracking mouse movements and clicks on the web app
  • Blocking browser fingerprinting attempts by WhatsApp
  • Stopping WhatsApp from accessing the webcam and microphone without permission
  • Disabling link previews in WhatsApp web to prevent data leaks
  • Blocking read receipts from being sent automatically
  • Preventing WhatsApp backup to Google Drive without asking

In summary, this extension aims to give users more control over their privacy when using WhatsApp web. It forces WhatsApp to ask for explicit permission before accessing sensitive user data or hardware like the webcam and microphone.

Who created the WhatsApp privacy extension?

The WhatsApp privacy extension was created by Prasanth Murali, an ethical hacker and web developer. He has created a number of privacy-focused browser extensions such as Facebook Container and YouTube Privacy Extension. Prasanth developed this extension after realizing how much user data WhatsApp was able to collect from its web app without sufficient consent.

Why is the WhatsApp privacy extension important?

This extension is important for the following reasons:

  • It protects user privacy and prevents unauthorized data collection by WhatsApp.
  • It gives users more control over sensitive hardware like the webcam and microphone.
  • It blocks browser fingerprinting and tracking attempts that could be used to monitor user activity.
  • It stops WhatsApp backups to Google Drive without asking for permission first.
  • It aligns with data protection principles like GDPR by enabling explicit user consent.

By improving privacy protections, this extension reduces the risk of data leaks, targeted advertising and mass surveillance through WhatsApp usage.

How does the WhatsApp privacy extension work?

Here is an overview of how the WhatsApp privacy extension functions:

  • It injects JavaScript code into the WhatsApp web app to override existing permissions.
  • It blocks browser API calls that WhatsApp makes to collect data like mouse movements.
  • It disables access to hardware like the webcam until the user explicitly enables it.
  • It suppresses data leaks by blocking link previews and read receipts.
  • It intercepts requests made to external servers and filters tracking attempts.
  • It adds permission prompts for backups and access to hardware like the microphone.

Under the hood, it makes use of browser extension APIs like webRequest, tabs, storage and management to override WhatsApp’s default behaviors. The JavaScript injection ensures WhatsApp only gets access to user data and hardware when explicitly permitted by the user.

Is the WhatsApp privacy extension open source?

Yes, the WhatsApp privacy extension is fully open source. The source code is available on GitHub at the following URL:

https://github.com/prasanth-ntu/WhatsApp-Privacy

Making the extension open source enables transparency and allows security researchers to audit the code. It also allows developers to contribute improvements to the extension.

What are the key permissions used by the extension?

The WhatsApp privacy extension requires the following key permissions to function:

  • WebRequest – To intercept and block requests made by WhatsApp web
  • Tabs – To inject JavaScript into WhatsApp webpages
  • Unlimited storage – To store extension settings
  • WebRTC – To block webcam/microphone access
  • <all_urls> – To work across all WhatsApp webpages

These permissions allow the extension to override WhatsApp’s default behaviors by intercepting requests, injecting code and blocking access to hardware and storage.

Does the extension affect WhatsApp functionality?

The WhatsApp privacy extension is designed to improve privacy without significantly impacting WhatsApp functionality. Key aspects like messaging, voice/video calls and group chats will work normally. Some of the functions that may be affected include:

  • Link previews when pasting URLs – disabled to prevent data leaks
  • Read receipts – blocked from being sent automatically
  • Webcam access – requires user permission now
  • Mouse tracking – prevented across the app

So basic WhatsApp capabilities are preserved, while unnecessary or privacy-invading functions are restricted. Users have the option to manually enable some permissions if needed.

Does the extension work on WhatsApp mobile app?

No, this extension only works when accessing WhatsApp through the web app on a desktop browser like Firefox. It does not affect the WhatsApp mobile application on Android or iOS devices.

The extension injects JavaScript into webpages and makes use of browser extension APIs that are only available on desktop browsers like Firefox. Since mobile apps do not allow such extensions, it cannot work on the WhatsApp mobile apps.

What are the advantages of this extension?

Some of the key advantages of using the WhatsApp privacy extension include:

  • Enhanced user privacy and prevention of unauthorized data collection
  • More user control over access to hardware like microphone and webcam
  • Blocking of browser fingerprinting and mouse tracking attempts
  • Reduced risk of data leaks through features like link previews
  • Open source code allows transparency and security audits
  • Easy to install and configure within Firefox browser

In summary, it gives users granular control over their privacy settings while using WhatsApp web. The open source nature also allows community-driven improvements over time.

What are the disadvantages of this extension?

Some potential disadvantages include:

  • Could break some WhatsApp web features if updates aren’t made timely
  • Requires Firefox browser to work, not available on all browsers
  • Blocking some functions like read receipts may impact expected app behavior
  • Open source nature can allow bad actors to find ways around protections
  • Not effective against privacy issues with WhatsApp mobile app use

However, the creator actively maintains the extension to ensure compatibility. Overall, the privacy enhancing benefits outweigh the disadvantages for most users.

How can users trust the extension is safe to use?

Several factors indicate the WhatsApp privacy extension is safe to use:

  • It’s open source code allows security experts to audit for vulnerabilities
  • The developer has a strong reputation for building privacy tools
  • It underwent code review before being added to Firefox browser
  • It has limited permissions required only for the privacy features
  • It does not request or store personal user data
  • Millions of Firefox users have downloaded it without major issues reported

Users are advised to only install browser extensions from trustworthy sources. But the open source nature and developer reputation provides assurance that WhatsApp privacy extension is safe to use.

How can users install and configure the extension?

Here are simple steps to install, configure and use the extension on Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox browser and go to Add-ons page
  2. Search for “WhatsApp Privacy Extension”
  3. Click “Add to Firefox” to install it
  4. A popup will confirm extension has been added
  5. Click Extension icon and go to Options page
  6. Review settings and make changes as per preference
  7. Visit web.whatsapp.com to access WhatsApp web
  8. The extension will automatically work in the background
  9. Permission prompts will appear as needed for microphone/webcam access

Users can tweak settings like hardware access control and link previews based on their specific needs. The extension otherwise works seamlessly in the background once installed.

Conclusion

The WhatsApp Privacy Extension for Firefox is an invaluable tool for protecting user privacy. It prevents unauthorized data collection by WhatsApp web and gives users control over sensitive permissions. The open source nature, developer reputation and limited permissions indicate it is safe to use. With easy installation and configurable options, users can easily take control over their privacy on WhatsApp web using this extension.