Clubhouse Takes Safety Measures for Afghan Users

In response to the escalating safety concerns in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, the popular audio chat app Clubhouse has implemented measures to protect the personal information of its users in the country.

User Bios and Photos Reset

Clubhouse has taken the proactive step of resetting the bios and photos of tens of thousands of its users located in Taliban-controlled areas of Afghanistan. This action aims to safeguard the privacy and safety of users who may face potential risks due to their online presence.

Increased Account Privacy

In addition to resetting bios and photos, Clubhouse has enhanced the privacy settings of Afghan users’ accounts to make them less discoverable in search. By limiting the visibility of these accounts, Clubhouse aims to mitigate the risk of users being targeted or identified based on their online activity.

Reversibility of Changes

A spokesperson for Clubhouse clarified that the measures taken to protect Afghan users’ accounts, including the reset of bios and photos and the adjustment of privacy settings, are reversible. Users have the option to revert these changes if they prefer to restore their original profile information.

Promotion of Pseudonyms

Clubhouse has also emphasized to its Afghan users that it permits the use of pseudonyms for safety or human rights reasons. This policy allows individuals to maintain anonymity on the platform, providing an additional layer of protection in volatile situations.

Facebook Launches Account Lockdown Tool

In response to the evolving situation in Afghanistan, Facebook has introduced a one-click tool designed to help users in the country secure their accounts quickly. This tool enables users to lock down their profiles, restricting access to their profile photo, timeline posts, and other personal information.

Enhanced Security Measures

Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of security policy, explained that when a user’s profile is locked down, individuals who are not friends with them cannot download or share their profile photo or view posts on their timeline. This feature aims to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and protect users’ privacy.

Social Media Platforms Face Scrutiny

As the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan raises concerns about online safety and security, major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are under scrutiny for their handling of Taliban-related accounts. These platforms may face pressure to address security issues and ensure that their policies align with the evolving geopolitical landscape.