Couldn't one just argue the same about Apple? I mean, if you don't like their lock-in, then just don't use it.
I don't want to use WhatsApp, but it's a quasi monopoly in messaging in many countries and thei're not opening up their APIs for others. We should force them too, shouldn't we?
I've used messenger in the past, after that i've just convinced family/friends to install telegram and chat there. Now I'm thinking abt moving to Signal, so imo, it's not that a big deal, users can migrate/install alternatives. If ppl care, they'll install an app to communicate with you, if they don't, well...
Were you also able to convince your employer, repairmen, local communities to leave WhatsApp? I am among the least connected people among various circles I am in, yet I'm not able to leave WhatsApp.
If you live in Costa Rica, then you have no choice but to use WhatsApp. I suppose technically could you could choose to be entirely unable to communicate and to be left out of the economy, but that's not much of a choice.
That is still a choice, though, even if it's a sucky one. Sounds like people are forced to choose WA in lieu of starving because they have no/less income.
Boycotting requires a sacrifice and of course I understand that for some the sacrifice is too great; I wouldn't blame them at all.
But my point was more, in the West people make so much noise about stuff and yet do nothing. And we are all generally quite privileged compared to some other parts of the world.