Edward Snowden Thinks Google's Allo Is 'Dangerous' And 'Unsafe' Right Now

"Allo" is a new messaging app created by Alphabet Inc GOOG's Google, whose main feature will be a Google assistant. According to The Verge, Allo will act as a "fresh start" for Google's communication's division. The publication noted that Allo contains the "usual chat app stuff" including emojis and the ability to send photos. However, what sets it apart from other chat apps is the integration of the Google assistant. "You can set up a conversation with @google and ask it all sorts of questions," The Verge explained. "It'll respond with the stuff you've come to expect from typing into a Google search box — but it'll also engage in a bit of a conversation with you. It'll suggest further searches, and give you ways to do things that Google can do — like book a table with OpenTable." Engadget also pointed out that Allo uses its Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption which may be "strong enough" for privacy advocates like Edward Snowden to approve. But does Snowden approve? According to a Tweet he made on Thursday, it appears to be a resounding no.

Google's decision to disable end-to-end encryption by default in its new #Allo chat app is dangerous, and makes it unsafe. Avoid it for now.

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) May 19, 2016