While interest in the new conversation app Clubhouse exploded in Sweden, Cecilia Djurberg noticed how few Swedish journalists seemed to have read the unclear terms of use that are now being reviewed by a German computer authority.
- When there is a new position, then I think that the journalistic task is to review it in the public service.
Look at it and read all the fine print before you start reporting on the hype, says Cecilia Djurberg.
To use Clubhouse, an invitation is required, but to invite others, you must give the app access to your address book, which from a journalistic perspective may be contrary to source protection.
In recent weeks, more media have drawn attention to the app's security flaws, and reported that illegal recordings have taken place.
Journalists contribute to the hype
Kulturnyheterna reported earlier this week how several media houses have introduced staff restrictions for the Clubhouse app.
But at the same time as the app is judged to have major security risks, several media houses use the app in their operations and invite their readers to participate in various conversations.
According to Djurberg, such a position contributes to saying that without having control over the platform and how the information is used, the app is okay.
- I would never allow the state to let everyone I have in my phone book know, so I think it's strange to let a private American company get this information.
Cecilia Djurberg does not think people understand how serious the app's mapping is or that Clubhouse is in breach of the EU: data protection laws.
In addition, she directs strong criticism at the journalist corps' handling.
- I can definitely understand the interest in Clubhouse and I have been curious about it but I think we have made so many mistakes during this digital development.
So now we should have learned before we thunder in.
Kulturnyheterna is looking for Clubhouse for a comment.