Undeniably, Houseparty is fast becoming a favorite mobile app to download today especially that most people from all over the world are stuck at home, obeying world leaders' strict order of home quarantines and lockdowns.
To date, this app already has around 10 million downloads on Android devices and millions more on iPhones. However, Apple hasn't confirmed the exact number yet. Additionally, Houseparty has turned out to be among (if not the hit) app of the COVID-19 shutdown.
Incidentally, Vogue even called the now-becoming a favorite app, "a quarantine app" that needs to be downloaded immediately. Essentially, it allows a user to start and participate in a series of games-all via chat and live video. Those who are fond of the app said, this is one positive that COVID-19 has brought them especially now that there are restrictions on living the house. Undoubtedly, this Epic Games-owned app has gained a lot of fans.
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How Safe is It?
Since this is relatively a new app and still a lot of people don't know about it, there its safety is currently being questioned. The good news is that there are no evident dangers or flaws with the Houseparty. Cybersecurity and privacy researcher reviewed the app's Android version to see if such potential issues were present. The researcher analyzed the usage of the permissions of the app and since it provides video chats among circles of friends, it is reasonable that requested consents are essential.
Stefanko added, he didn't find any "shady misusing of them" by Houseparty. More so, he added, the app does not offer too many in-app options, as well as settings, creating fewer scenarios for the exploitation of security issues.
Meanwhile, from a privacy standpoint, according to the app's reviewer, there is one evident issue though, that some users might want to know before using it: anyone can access the games unless a user locks the "room" where he is playing. This can be fixed though, by merely hitting the padlock bottom at the screen's bottom part. And, if the rooms don't get locked down, chances are, other people the user doesn't even know can invade his fun.
Houseparty Can be Used Privately
If you're new to Houseparty and you're disappointed that strangers can invade your fun while playing if you failed to lock the "room" down, those who have tried the app say, you don't need to worry. There are some things you can do to improve your Houseparty games' privacy.
The first thing to do is go to the settings option which you can find by clicking first, the smiley face at the screen's top-left part. Then, hit the "cogwheel button" the moment the menu appears on your screen. Once you're on the menu, you can already turn the privacy mode on. This feature is the one that locks each room that you enter in.
You can go to the permissions section too, and turn your location on, or turn it off. By default, the location is turned off so just leave it that way if you opt to guarantee that your whereabouts remain private. And, if you prefer going even further in shielding your identity, you can use a false name, as well as a fake birthday under the profile section.
It is also possible for you to opt-out of receiving texts, emails, or even notifications about what the app is offering. You can go to the Houseparty private policy's Section 5 to know how to opt-out of each of the aforementioned.
