Mandatory WhatsApp Privacy Policy Update Allows User Data to be Shared With Facebook

Wednesday January 6, 2021 4:22 am PST by Hartley Charlton

WhatsApp's latest terms and privacy policy allows the popular messaging app to share a significant amount of user data with Facebook (via XDA Developers).

WhatsApp users are today receiving an in-app notice informing them about the app's updated terms of service and privacy policy. The notice gives an overview of the main three updates, covering how WhatsApp processes user data, how businesses can use Facebook-hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats, and how WhatsApp will soon partner with Facebook to offer deeper integrations across all of the parent company's products.

The changes, which are set to take effect on February 8, 2021, are mandatory and users will not be able to continue using WhatsApp unless they accept the terms.

The new terms and privacy policy appear to build upon changes announced in July 2020, yet this previous update offered users the option to withhold their WhatsApp account information from being shared with Facebook. The latest update eliminates this option.

Users that agree to the updated terms will have their WhatsApp account registration and phone number, transaction data, service-related information, interaction information, mobile device information, IP address, and "other information identified... or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent," shared with Facebook.

When explaining how Facebook will use this information, the policy states that shared data is used for "understanding how our services or theirs are used," "improving their services," "making suggestions for you," "personalizing features and content," and "showing relevant offers and ads across the Facebook Company Products."

The updated terms help WhatsApp to integrate more closely into Facebook's family of products, as it aims to provide a more coherent experience to users across services. While the changes help Facebook to achieve its larger goals, the high-level of data sharing that WhatsApp users will now be subject to may raise privacy concerns.

Last month, WhatsApp publicly protested Apple's requirement that developers submit information about what user data they collect for privacy labels on the App Store, saying that it could give its messaging app a competitive disadvantage.

Tags: Facebook, WhatsApp, privacy

Top Rated Comments

Bokito

15 weeks ago

I wonder what lawmakers and regulators will say about this. WhatsApp’s acquisition by Facebook was only accepted when Facebook agreed to never share data between the services.

Score: 62 Votes (Like | Disagree)

contacos

15 weeks ago

I thought the EU only allowed the purchase of WhatsApp back in the day if they kept the two business separate with no data sharing whatsoever???

Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)

dubar

15 weeks ago

It's a great time to opt out of Facebook.

I don't know wtf Whatsapp is, but if they're related to Facebook you should opt out of that too.

Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)

zilchfox

15 weeks ago

Not gonna lie, I kind of already assumed this was the case.

Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)

totom_

15 weeks ago

Anybody wants some popcorn? ?

Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)

doolar

15 weeks ago

I doubt many here who are already using WhatsApp will discontinue use, even though the privacy terms are terrible. You might as well give Facebook admin rights on your computer and allow them to remote access anything they want using TeamViewer.

I will never ever use this app or Facebook.

I will. I’ve used WhatsApp since day one. I was on the fence of leaving when FB bought them, but stayed. This is the end of the line for me. A shame, since WhatsApp is a great multi platform service. So long and thanks for all the fish.

Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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