WhatsApp is making major changes to its privacy policy, including sharing significant user data with Facebook.
WhatsApp users are seeing an in-app notification of changes to the privacy policy. When going to WhatsApps new terms, it’s clear the messaging platform will begin integrating more tightly with Facebook’s other companies and services, including sharing data between them.
As part of the Facebook Companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information (see here) with, the other Facebook Companies. We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products.
The information shared with Facebook is substantial, including:
Your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service-related information, information on how you interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address, and may include other information identified in the Privacy Policy section entitled ‘Information We Collect’ or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent.
The new policies will take effect on February 8. The changes are mandatory and individuals will not be able to use WhatsApp unless they accept the terms.
This is the latest reason why users who value their privacy should switch to Signal for their secure, cross-platform messaging needs.