Quora
Summary
Quora is a Q&A website, where whatever questions you have can be answered. People can answer, follow, edit, and share questions through the site and form their own opinions. If you have questions that need to be answered, Quora may have the answer.
Breach History
Has there ever been a breach or data leak?
Date of last breach
December 2018
Quora discovered that a malicious third party gained unauthorized access to one of their systems. Quora then notified 100 million users that they may have personal information such as names, emails, and encrypted passwords breached. Quora recommeded that users change their passwords immediately.
Privacy Checklist
Is any kind of biometric data collected (health, heart, voice, etc.)?
Are you able to delete your data / the data collected about you?
Does it use cookies, telemetry, or third-party tracking scripts?
Is the privacy policy user-friendly (easy to understand)?
Does it have parental controls?
Does it use encryption to protect your data both in-transit and at-rest?
Does it get regular software and / or firmware updates?
Does it require you to create a strong password?
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Does it have a privacy policy?
How Can It Snoop?
Does it have a camera or request / require access to a camera?
Does it have a microphone or request / require access to a microphone?
Does it track your location or request / require access to location data?
Account Requirements
Does it require an email address to use?
Does it require a phone number to use?
Does it require an address (home or office) to use?
Payment Options
Are you able to use a credit card as a payment option?
Are you able to use a cryptocurrency as a payment option?
Are you able to use PayPal as a payment option?
Are you able to use cash or gift cards as a payment option?
What Could Go Wrong?
Quora is rated for teens over 13 and older, and has moderators to remove inappropriate and malicious conent. However, there is always a chance children can come across adult and mature content, so be wary.
How Does It Share Your Data?
Quora does not sell personal information to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. However, they do use your information to present you with ads, marketing, and promotions.
Good Things
- Easy to use and Quora should provide any answer to your question.
Bad Things
- Make sure to not consent to information sharing.
- Be aware of the content that your children is looking through.
Final Thoughts
Quora is a great Q&A website that may provide the answers to your questions. However, Quora's privacy protections and guarantees are largely inadequate. Quora can and does use your information to present you with targeted ads, marketing, and promotions. With a recent data breach of personal information linked to over 100 million users, be sure to proceed with caution!