The Cuban messaging platform, toDus, attempted to shine on social media by listing several reasons why Cubans supposedly favor the app. According to its official Facebook profile, these reasons include local data access for 25 Cuban pesos and the ability to send files without using international data.
In their post, toDus claimed it supports video calls and voice calls, as well as sharing images, videos, and documents with a specific plan available through Transfermóvil. They encouraged users to download the app from Apklis.
However, skepticism and criticism dominated the comments, with many users alleging that this app shares information with the State Security.
Adrian L Montero remarked that the app "was never popular among young Cubans" and suggested that when a platform has to promote itself, it often indicates a low download rate.
Damián López Báez simply stated, "I don't use it," while Tony Martinez bluntly declared, "Nobody uses that."
Privacy concerns were a recurring theme in the reactions. Yaneisy García commented that Cubans avoid toDus because "messages aren't private."
Yamilys Bacallao argued that the government could potentially spy on conversations, and Dagnet Hernández Núñez emphasized her love for privacy, expressing distrust towards the app.
Axel R Marcell sarcastically remarked that messages go "straight to the State Security department."
Some even questioned the app's current relevance. Yesenia Pastrana said she thought the app no longer existed, and Alejandro Torres Ramos commented, "Not even the creator uses it."
Miguel Angel Valdés echoed the sentiment, asserting that nobody actually uses the app.
A few voices were less critical. Ori Sarmiento Escalona remembered that it was once popular because it consumed very little data, and Yoan HernandezHdez mentioned he uses it, though he believes it needs improvement to compete with giants like WhatsApp or WeChat.
Yasser Yoan Coello Sanchez defended the app, emphasizing that its main advantage is keeping data on national servers.
The overall reaction highlighted a widespread distrust among users towards the platform and a strong preference for international applications, where privacy and service quality are crucial for Cubans.
Understanding Cuban Users' Concerns About toDus
Why do Cubans distrust toDus?
Many Cubans distrust toDus due to concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance, as well as a general preference for more established international messaging apps.
What are the supposed benefits of using toDus?
toDus claims benefits such as accessing the app with local data for a low cost, and the ability to send files without using international data.
How does toDus compare to other messaging apps?
According to some users, toDus needs significant improvements to compete with major messaging platforms like WhatsApp and WeChat, particularly in terms of privacy and functionality.