“If it’s free, you’re the product”
Privacy Myth #3
A popular saying that is often true — but not always inevitable.
Why This Saying Exists
Many popular “free” messaging apps make their money by collecting vast amounts of user data — who you talk to, when, for how long, your interests, location patterns, and more. This data is then used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties.
[cartoon: User happily using a “free” app while being scanned, weighed, and packaged as a product on a conveyor belt]
The Surveillance Capitalism Model
This business model is called surveillance capitalism. Companies offer a “free” service in exchange for your attention and personal information. Over time they build extremely detailed profiles of users.
How privis.app Is Different
We reject the “you are the product” model. Here’s our approach:
privis.app
- No advertising
- No user profiling
- No selling of personal data
- Text messaging is free
- Future optional paid features (e.g. large file sharing)
Typical “Free” Apps
- Heavy data collection
- Detailed behavioral profiles
- Targeted advertising
- Messages scanned for content
- Data shared with third parties
Our Sustainable Model
Zumitomi Oy believes privacy-respecting services can be sustainable without exploiting user data. We focus on:
- Transparency and minimal data collection
- Optional paid upgrades for power users
- Licensing the platform technology to organizations
Key Takeaway
Not all free services have to treat you as the product.
Better business models exist — and we are proud to build one.
Private messaging that respects you
No ads. No tracking. No selling your data.