Is Textnow Safe to Use? Revealing the Potential Risks
TextNow is a convenient service for those who want a second phone number, need to make low-cost international calls, or want to save money on their monthly phone bill. It has become very popular for its free texting and calling offers. However, many people wonder if it's safe to use because the app handles personal information.
To address this concern, we'll explore the basic features of TextNow and discuss some important safety considerations. Understanding these aspects can help you decide if TextNow is the right choice for your communication needs.
How Does TextNow Work
TextNow is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It is a mobile and web app service that allows users to send texts and make calls using a virtual phone number.
The app offers freemium options where users can choose the free or paid versions. Free users have access to a few features but will experience ads popping up. For instance, they can send unlimited texts and make calls to the U.S. and Canada for free. However, international calls are only available after payment. Premium users enjoy an ad-free experience with additional features.
Other features on the app include voicemail service, especially the voicemail transcription that is available to only premium users. Users can also forward calls to another number. You can use the app across different devices, including iOS, Android, tablets, and computers.
TextNow has revolutionized calling with its Wi-Fi method. That way, users do not have to rely on carriers or traditional phone service providers. They can make calls and send text messages via Wi-Fi. However, be mindful of your data plan limits if you're not connected to Wi-Fi.
Many services do not accept TextNow numbers for verification or 2FA setup. Users have reported issues receiving verification codes from platforms like Apple, which explicitly refuse to send codes to TextNow numbers. To receive verification codes reliably, users must purchase a service called "Lock In Number," which costs $4.99 annually. This feature ensures that the number remains active and can receive verification codes without interruption.
Is TextNow Safe to Use?
Yes, TextNow is safe to use. Hence, this section considers detailed points that prove the safety of TextNow. Similarly, you will find some of the shortfalls of the app that give users concern. In the end, you will be able to determine how safe the app is for you.
Account Safety
The safety of accounts on this platform is entrusted to the care of the Trust & Safety team. This team ensures the security of accounts on three levels. First, they limit harmful users from registering on the platform. Also, the team detects, mitigates, and resolves abuse by flagging spam. Lastly, they help users improve their experience on the app.
The team employs a systemic and algorithmic approach to detect malicious activities. However, the absence of two-factor authentication (2FA) is a concern for many users. 2FA is a leading technology for protecting apps from unauthorized access. It is believed that its simple login process makes it vulnerable to hackers. Additionally, accounts can be at risk if users are not careful with their passwords or fall for phishing scams.
TextNow allows users to create accounts with just an email address and password. While this makes the app easy to use, it also means that accounts can be harder to trace back to a specific individual. However, all TextNow accounts are traceable by law enforcement through user data if needed. To make up for its simple security, the team is investing in machine learning technology to improve its risk detection. Part of its existing safety measure is preventing scammers from using VPN on the web app.
Data Security
The app claims that calls, messages, and other user data are well protected. However, the app is not protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that third parties could intercept communications. This missing data security feature is a major concern for many users who take their data safety seriously. Furthermore, TextNow will comply if it receives a legal request for user information from law enforcement agencies.
It is also believed that because the app is free to use, the company may collect user data for advertising purposes. This data could potentially be sold to third parties as a profit-making venture common with many free services. You may learn more from Commonsense's report about its privacy.
Content Security
TextNow has several protocols to prevent and detect scams, spam, and abuses on the platform. They also collaborate with users by investigating reported content and blocking it. Users can block and unblock other contacts themselves on the app. Similarly, they can send #STOP/#BLOCK and #UNBLOCK as text messages to a number to block and unblock it.
Aside from these features, TextNow does not have a built-in filter to flag words or specific content. Hence, it may continue till a user reports it. Its failure to regulate inappropriate content is a concern for parents. Spams and scams have still not been completely eradicated on TextNow due to the ability to change numbers easily. When users block and report numbers, they may still receive unwanted messages from new numbers.
Privacy Concerns
The app's privacy policy allows anonymous use. Users can remain anonymous because of the simple registration and frequent number changes. This use has both advantages and detriments. Privacy-conscious users do enjoy this benefit. Also, it raises concerns because it can be used by those with malicious intent to hide their identity.
Direct registration on the app by using Facebook, Google, and Apple ID makes the app more vulnerable. This inter-app link raises privacy concerns for users. The linked TextNow account can be infiltrated when these handles are accessed.
Likewise, users who rely on VPNs for extra privacy complain about the app's blocking of VPNs on its web app.
Legal Compliance
TextNow complies with U.S. and Canadian laws, given that it operates in the two countries. If a valid legal request is received, they will provide the requested user information to law enforcement agencies. These legal requests can come in the form of search warrants, subpoenas, and production orders, among others.
If a non-disclosure order is included in the request from courts, government, or law enforcement agencies, the user will not be notified of the request for their information.
Where such an order is not included, the account owner will be notified, and they can dispute the disclosure in court. TextNow will allow 7 days from the notification date for the person to file this dispute. That way, the platform is subject to authorities, especially to avoid illegal activities on its platform.
Users' Review of TextNow's Security
Most users appreciate the service's low cost and ease of use. It averages over 4 stars out of 5 on App Store and Google Play. However, many users expressed concerns about account security and the prevalence of spam. These issues highlight the need for more robust security measures on the platform.
Abbydog on Trustpilot: inconveniences, expensive, unsafe, HAVE TO HAVE WIFI TO TEXT EVEN 911.
BeautifullyBroken90 on REVIEWS.io: TEXTNOW SPYS ON YOUR CONVERSATIONS AND PHONE CALLS.
whiskylion on Reddit: There's no such thing as privacy. Only the illusion of privacy.
Making Sure Your Kid Stays Safe in Online Communication
Kids are exposed to dangers such as scams, inappropriate content, and cyberbullying when allowed to use online communication. Hence, below are tips to help your kids stay safe at home.
Monitor Communication: Regularly check your child's messages and call logs. That way, you can ensure they are communicating with known and trusted contacts.
Use Parental Control Apps: Install apps that allow you to monitor your child's activity without invading their privacy. Apps like AirDroid Parental Control can help you stay informed. You can also get activity reports and online history when you cannot watch them in person.
Teach Them Online Safety: Have open conversations with your children about the dangers of talking to strangers online. Then, please encourage them to report any uncomfortable interactions.
Limit Usage: Set time limits for how long your child can use their apps. Instead, help them use their device for educational purposes.
Conclusion
TextNow offers a convenient alternative to communicate for free via Wi-Fi. Like every other digital platform, it has its risks which this post has fully explored. The absence of key security and privacy features like content filters, end-to-end encryption, and two-factor authentication makes using the app highly doubtful for some users. Hence, there are better picks for anyone prioritizing privacy and security than TextNow. However, it can still be a useful tool for communication when used with proper precautions. Since users are pleased with the app, it is worth a try.
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