Facebook Messenger Privacy Fears? Here’s What You Need to Know

The Internet has been simmering lately over privacy concerns surrounding Facebook FB -0.19%’s Messenger app, which will soon become the only way mobile users can send and receive messages on the social network.Some users were notified Wednesday that they could no longer see or send messages unless they downloaded the app, and more users will get the same message in the weeks and months to come.

But amid the forced adoption of Messenger, some bloggers have cried foul over seemingly draconian permissions required for users of the Android version of the app. Most of the criticisms echo a December Huffington Post article that highlighted several Orwellian-sounding policies, like the ability of the app to “call phone numbers without your intervention,” and “use the camera at any time without your permission.” “Facebook has pushed this too far. It’s time we stood up and said ‘no!’” The Huffington Post article said. But according to Facebook, the concerns about its Messenger app are overblown, and based on misinformation.