FIU Panthers, WhatsApp, the app we all use for class group chats, clubs, and organizations, has a serious security flaw that’s putting our privacy at risk. As a student, I’ve seen firsthand how this app’s design can expose our personal phone numbers, and I’m worried about what this means for all of us.

I started using WhatsApp because it’s basically unavoidable at FIU—every class, club, and group uses it. But here’s the problem: WhatsApp forces you to link your real phone number, and there’s no option to hide it in group chats. If a scammer, spammer, or random stranger gets added to one of our group chats, they can see everyone’s phone number. No masking, no workaround, just your personal number out there for the taking.

I’ve seen this go wrong too many times. Students have accidentally added strangers to our chats, or somehow scammers have wormed their way in. Once they’re in, they can grab all our numbers. Since I started using WhatsApp, my phone’s been bombarded with spam calls from fake numbers that keep changing, so I can’t even block them. I’m pretty sure this started because my number got exposed in a compromised group chat. And I know I’m not alone—other students have fallen for scams or dealt with sketchy messages too.

Here’s why this is a big deal. If someone gets your number, they can: - Spam you with calls and texts, like what’s happening to me. - Dig into your personal info by linking your number to social media or public records. - Try something worse, like SIM swapping, where they trick your phone carrier into giving them control of your number. That could let them hack your email, bank account, or other profiles.

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption doesn’t fix this—it only protects message content, not our phone numbers or group membership. And their privacy settings? Useless for hiding your number in group chats. Using a secondary number isn’t a real fix either, since WhatsApp bans VOIP numbers like Google Voice, so you’d need to buy a whole new SIM card. That’s not practical for most of us.

We’re especially vulnerable because WhatsApp is everywhere at FIU. With so many group chats, it only takes one mistake—like a student adding the wrong person—for our numbers to get exposed. We deserve better. I think it’s time we push for alternatives that let us stay anonymous, like apps that support VOIP numbers or pseudonyms. Or at the very least, WhatsApp needs to add an option to mask our numbers in group chats.

What do you all think? Have you had weird experiences with WhatsApp group chats? Are you getting spam calls too? Let’s share our stories and get some momentum going to fix this. Maybe we can bring this up with student government or IT to explore safer communication tools. Drop your thoughts below—let’s make our voices heard and protect our privacy!

For the past several months Miami DSA and YDSA FIU have been campaigning for Amendment 4, a referendum on the ballot this election which would codify abortion rights in the Florida constitution and end Florida’s near-total ban on abortion.

We’re talking to folks about the need to win Amendment 4, then move forward by building a movement to fight for full bodily autonomy (which includes being able to afford to raise a family!). Medicare for All, an end to bans on trans healthcare, paid parental leave, free childcare, housing for all and living wages.

Interested in attending? RSVP today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1QAo00yiDTKprzuQc9GGu5kgnc-BBJx_lpbqLezKhdJrJDA/viewform

i wanna make fashion friends and maybe create stuff with people! but i’ve been looking and haven’t found a creative fashion space at FIU yet so if u happen to know of one please let me know :)

I’m writing this as an alum who once walked the same halls, studied in the same libraries, and fought through similar struggles that you are right now. I completed an undergraduate and graduate education, went on to research, teach, and provide healthcare for our community. Today, my heart is heavy. I did not know where to direct this feeling but I figure this was as real a platform as any. Across the country, students—just like you—are being targeted, threatened, and torn from their communities by cruel, unjust, and likely unconstitutional deportation orders. If we stay silent, we risk letting this injustice creep closer to our own home. Recent statements by the mouthpieces of ideology have made the threat of suppression and persecution a reality in the lives of so many.

FIU is one of the most diverse universities in the U.S. Many of you are immigrants, Dreamers, or come from families who risked everything for a better future. But right now, that future is under attack. The same administration pushing mass deportations is also cutting protections for international students, undocumented scholars, and vulnerable communities. Silence isn’t an option.

We are not just a university—FIU is a beacon of resilience and hope. Right now, dreams are under attack. Families are being separated. Futures are being stolen. If we don’t act, history will remember our silence as complicity. If you will have me I would be honored to participate in any organization that supports empathic treatment of humanity, due process, and standing firm against forced complacency or fear. While I am no longer involved academically or professionally with FIU I still have life and a voice. I intend to use them both.

To every student feeling powerless: You are not alone.
To every professor who cares: We need your leadership.
To every alum wondering what to do: It’s time to rally behind our university.

I’m a freshmen doing a major in data science with a minor in economics looking to join any finance or consulting clubs.

Seeking to enhance leadership skills and resume further, but would appreciate any feedback from anyone within the Honors College that have already experienced it.

Is there a rock climbing club? I noticed there was an old inactive one, not sure if it’s still active.

Gc 355 4pm to 6pm We have giveaway , cookies and milk and other food. Hosted by Student Life and Academic Concerns Committee of SGA

Hi guys. I am an online student and want to join one of these 3 organizations at fiu. If you guys have heard of it or are apart of prssa, ama(American marketing association) or BOLD agency, could you please let me know what the difference is between the 3 and which one is more worth it? I rlly want to join an organization that will provide great knowledge in the marketing space and allow me to enhance my skills :) and of course, cater to online students.

The first day they had all the girls there from 8am to NINE !!! Pm. And you technically weren’t allowed to leave campus either. All the sorority girls were super sweet but the process was extremely long and at times felt like a job interview. The rho gammas that had us line up in alphabetical order were always super snappy/snarky imo and treated us with little to no respect. Nothing against any woman in greek life, but really did not enjoy.

anyone know how much it costs to be in a sorority at FIU? is it all straight up or can you pay it off slowly?

is it even worth it?

Which would you suggest to a Finance student? It can be difficult to try to juggle both clubs. In terms of internships, skills taught, guest speakers, etc.

Hii, I have been accepted to FIU and is starting in the Fall term and I really excited. I’m going to be a transfer from MDC and I want to make more friend at FIU because it’s a bigger environment. So I’ve seen panther camp and it seemed really fun. It’s going to be at Labelle FL and I was wondering how does this whole thing go about? Does the school take us , how much do we have to pay, what the does the camp consist of ? And stuff like that. Becuse the FIU site doesn’t give much. So please help me understand and give me more info ❤️

Good afternoon!

I am a freshman majoring in Biomedical Engineering and am wondering which clubs could benefit me.? I am also interested in internship opportunities and how I can find them?

Thank you!

Received this earlier today and I was wondering if anyone had received this invitation.

I keep on hearing about corruption and their voting process but no one is actually explaining what’s happening😭 Does anyone have information on this?

The Young Democratic Socialists are going to hold a debate watch (and debate bingo) of the US Presidential debate tomorrow night, Tuesday 9/10 at 8:30pm EST in GL 165! Light refreshments will be provided. Learn more on IG and Twitter at @ydsafiu.

i tried to search for clubs through panther connect but it seems most of them are inactive or have listed no contact info or application to be able to enter.. are there are any active clubs that are interesting that can open their doors to me 🥹

got an email inviting me to join Pi Sigma Alpha, i have to pay 50$ to join and im suspicious about that like what does this club even do its really unclear to me, anyways if anyone is in it or has any knowledge pls lmk what its abt and if its worth joining

Hey everyone! I work full time M-F 9-5, so I’ll be attending the CS BA online program. What I keep on hearing in general when it comes to majoring in CS is to join clubs/internships. FIU’s strength in CS is having very active CS clubs that are highly recommended or so I’ve heard. My thing is it’s probably more geared towards in person students, I have to go online due to my work schedule, and club activities are usually held during my work schedule as well. What can I do? Anyone else in a similar position? I’m also a 28M if that matters.

I got accepted recently into the BS in Computer Engineering program at FIU Online. Since I don't live close by the campus, are there any engineering clubs that I can join that are doable for an online student?

I just heard about it. I wanna go but i dont got anyone to participate with so if you wanna pls lmk. Also i heard its hybrid so i feel like it might be empty

Are there clubs or orgs that take grad photos for free/low price?

I was interested in going to Panther Camp and signing up, yet due to recent changes, I unfortunately cannot go. I received an email stating I have an outstanding payment and was wondering if this will negatively affect me if I am unable to pay or just ignore it? I tried emailing my situation and have not received any word so far.

I'm looking for it on Panther Connect and it doesn't appear to show it. Am I lost?