One of the co-founders of WhatsApp, the messaging tool bought by Facebook in 2014, has encouraged people to stop using the social network.
Brian Acton wrote the message as more details emerge concerning the use of thousands of users’ data by election strategists Cambridge Analytica.
In one of only two tweets since 2016, Acton told his 34,000 followers to delete the popular social network.
It is time. #deletefacebook
— Brian Acton (@brianacton) March 20, 2018
In employing the hashtag #DeleteFacebook, Acton joined thousands online who called for people to delete their profiles from the social network.
However, many pointed out that deleting one social media profile wouldn’t solve the issue, particularly as Facebook owns Whatsapp and Instagram.
To all you heroes bragging about deleting Facebook, just a friendly reminder that they own Instagram, which you are definitely not brave enough to delete.
— Michael O'Brien (@mycobrian) March 22, 2018
Quick reminder to everyone looking to #DeleteFacebook – Facebook also owns Instagram and Whatsapp. pic.twitter.com/6v3viEzzVF
— Victoria Anderson (@VFAnderson) March 20, 2018
Decided to #deletefacebook today. And Instagram, and WhatsApp. Always wanted to get more into twitter anyway!
— Clint Bonds (@clintzbonds) March 20, 2018
The encrypted messaging app was sold to Facebook for $19bn in 2014. Acton ceased to work there in 2017.
Acton has since put money into another messaging app, Signal.
