Is Marco Polo App Safe?

If you use or plan to use the Marco Polo app, you need to know: Is Marco Polo app safe? 

Below, we explain whether Marco Polo app is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this app.

What Is the Marco Polo App?

Marco Polo is a video messaging app that combines texting, social media, and video chat. 

It allows users to send video messages (called “Polos”) to friends and family, which can be viewed and responded to at any time, making it convenient for asynchronous communication.

Users can personalize their video messages by adding fun filters and effects or using voice-changing effects to make them more entertaining. They can also add text and drawings to their video messages.

Is the Marco Polo App Safe?

Depends on your definition of “safe.”

Marco Polo app uses encryption to protect user data and video messages, ensuring that messages are secure from interception during transmission. However, it does not use end-to-end encryption. 

The app allows users to manage their contacts and control who can send them messages, and users can block and report contacts if they encounter unwanted or inappropriate interactions. 

Users can delete their messages and accounts if they choose to.

Marco Polo employs standard security practices, such as requiring a phone number for account setup, which can add a layer of verification.

There have been no major data breaches associated with Marco Polo.

Marco Polo gets a 4.3 rating on Google Play (from 299k reviews) and a 4.8 rating on Apple’s App Store (from 2.1m ratings). 

Is the Marco Polo App Private?

Again, depends on your definition of “private.”

In Mozilla’s *Privacy Not Included review, users voted Marco Polo as “Somewhat creepy.” However, Mozilla researchers say, “Marco Polo seems to do an OK job protecting your privacy.” 

Marco Polo is ad-free, and the app states that it does not sell user data to third parties. 

Users can manage their privacy by limiting who can contact them, send them messages, and see their profiles.

However, in the past, the app has sent text message invitations to users’ top contacts without their explicit permission. 

There is also no end-to-end encryption on the Marco Polo app. 

Marco Polo may retain your personal information indefinitely unless you delete your account. If you delete your account without first deleting your videos (“Polos”), you won’t be able to go back and delete them afterward. As such, users should delete their “Polos” before deleting their accounts.

Marco Polo’s privacy policy outlines what data it collects, why, and with whom it shares it. It says it does not share data with third parties for ad targeting. 

Marco Polos’ privacy policy hasn’t received an aggregated score from review sites like Terms of Service; Didn’t Read (ToS;DR) or the Common Sense Privacy Program.

However, ToS;DR notes that the app respects browsers’ Do Not Track (DNT) headers and doesn’t sell personal data. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On the Marco Polo App

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience on the Marco Polo app. 

• Adjust privacy settings. You can control who can contact you by going to your account settings and limiting this to your contacts or specific groups. Ensure your profile information is only visible to people you have added as contacts.
• Use strong account security. Use a strong, unique password for your Marco Polo account, and avoid using the same password across multiple sites or services. 
• Be cautious with shared information. In your video messages, do not share sensitive personal information, such as your home address, phone number, or financial details. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid showing private or sensitive areas of your home when recording videos.
• Use the blocking and reporting features. Block contacts immediately if you receive unwanted messages or feel uncomfortable with a contact. Report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior to Marco Polo’s support team.
• Regularly review app permissions. Check the permissions you have granted to the Marco Polo app in your device’s settings and limit access to only what is necessary for the app to function properly.
• Keep your app updated. Regularly update the Marco Polo app to ensure you have the latest security patches and feature improvements.
• Control notification settings. Adjust notification settings to avoid displaying sensitive information on your lock screen. You can usually control this in your device’s settings under notifications.
• Educate yourself on privacy policies. Familiarize yourself with Marco Polo’s privacy policy to understand what data is collected and how it is used. 
• Use alternative communication methods for sensitive topics. For sensitive topics, consider using more secure communication methods, such as encrypted messaging apps designed specifically for privacy.