Understanding the Impact of Our Choices
Consumers shouldn’t be shamed for using helpful products, even if problematic. We can’t solve systemic issues by being purists in our consumption and many of us shop at Walmart and Amazon. If the Hallow app aids your prayer life, that’s fine. But it’s crucial to know where products come from, who profits, and the potential drawbacks.
The Role of Transparency
Clear labeling on food and clothing helps us make informed choices, and transparency should apply to all products. Journalist Dawn Eden Goldstein, a reputable theologian and canonist, highlighted some concerns about the Hallow app on Twitter. Goldstein pointed out some alarming facts.
Hallow’s Controversial Figures and Investors
Hallow features Jim Caviezel, linked to QAnon, and Russell Brand, accused of sexual assault. Such associations are concerning, and for some, they would be deal breakers. Goldstein also revealed Hallow’s investors, among them J.D. Vance and Peter Thiel. Thiel, a libertarian and transhumanist, chairs Palantir Technologies, a major data analysis company worth billions. Hallow’s privacy policy permits data sharing with investors, including Thiel and Vance.
Data Privacy Concerns
Hallow collects data like your name, email, IP address, phone number, and prayer journal entries. This data could be used by individuals deeply invested in political campaigns to market to devout Catholics. Such possibilities raise significant concerns about data privacy and political influence.
Making Wise Choices
It’s essential to vote based on vetted facts, not propaganda that might be marketed to us, and to be aware of how our data might be used. While using Hallow is a personal choice, understanding the implications is vital. Let’s strive for a just world by making informed decisions.
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