In a recent LinkedIn post, Chirag Goswami discusses the alarming case of Facebook’s Onavo app, highlighting how a tool marketed as a privacy protector was, in reality, a sophisticated surveillance mechanism for business intelligence. Goswami meticulously breaks down the app’s functionality and its implications for user data.
Chirag Goswami points out the deceptive nature of the app, stating:
“The VPN that watched everything you did… for Facebook.”
The Deceptive Promise of Privacy
Goswami details how Onavo, launched in 2013, was presented to users as a free application designed to safeguard privacy on public Wi-Fi networks. However, he argues that the app’s true purpose was far more invasive.
According to Chirag Goswami, Onavo did not enhance user privacy but rather compromised it by routing all user traffic through Facebook’s servers. This setup provided Facebook with an unprecedented level of insight into user behavior.
Unveiling the Extent of Data Collection
The insights shared by Goswami reveal the granular data that Facebook gained access to through Onavo. This included:
- The specific applications users were engaging with.
- The frequency with which these applications were opened.
- A detailed record of visited websites.
- Information on the growth rate of competing services, such as WhatsApp.
Chirag Goswami emphasizes the stark contrast between the app’s advertised function and its actual operation, noting:
“This wasn’t security. This was surveillance for business intelligence.”
Leveraging Data for Strategic Acquisitions and Innovations
Goswami’s analysis underscores how the data collected by Onavo was instrumental in Facebook’s major strategic decisions. He argues that this intelligence directly fueled significant business moves, enabling the company to make informed, high-value acquisitions and product developments.
The post highlights the financial and competitive advantages Facebook gained:
“The data helped Facebook make billion-dollar moves — like acquiring WhatsApp and copying Snapchat into Instagram Stories.”
This aggressive data utilization eventually led to consequences, as Chirag Goswami points out the app’s eventual removal from Apple’s App Store.
The Ethical Implications and a Call to Caution
The story of Onavo, as presented by Chirag Goswami, serves as a potent reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy in the digital age. He questions the trust users place in security applications without fully understanding the terms of service.
Chirag Goswami concludes with a critical question for app users:
“What are you really agreeing to when you install a “security” app?”
This reflection by Goswami urges consumers to exercise greater scrutiny and critical thinking when downloading applications, particularly those that promise security or privacy, to ensure they are not inadvertently trading their data for a false sense of protection.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Chirag Goswami on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 21, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →