The latest changes to messaging service WhatsApp ‘s privacy policy has raised such controversy among its user. The company announced on Jan 6 on the new privacy terms that focuses on integration with Facebook that will force users to share information with Facebook if they wish to continue using the service. It is definitely not be something the public wants especially when it touches on the privacy.
Not just its loyal users but privacy advocates also have questioned the move – referring to Facebook’s past record in handling user data. In fact, even Tesla founder Elon Musk called for users to leave the app and use more privacy-focused messaging services like Signal and Telegram.
In response to the announcement, Telegram has 500 million users signups and 25 million new users on Signal in just 72 hours alone.
What’s WhatsApp new policy?
The privacy policy requires users to agree to share data it collects about the users as in phone number and location with Facebook. Users must agree to this new privacy policy by Feb 8 or else lose access to their accounts.
The data accumulated is said will be shared with the Facebook’s family network such as Instagram and Messenger and applies regardless of whether you have accounts or profiles on those apps mentioned.
The option to share data with Facebook has long existed on the app for year. However, it was only an option up until now.
According to the privacy term and we quoted “WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information 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.”
Should I concern about the new privacy policy?
Let’s be clear on how the WhatsApp messaging service will be changed. As for now, nothing will change. End-to-end encrypted conversations and calls is still intact. The app itself nor Facebook and its family network can access them. In simple term, no one including WhatsApp can access to what users are messaging to each other.
WhatsApp also has clarified that it will not share contacts with Facebook nor can it or Facebook see users shared location. Users can still set messages to disappear and groups still remain private. This has been clarified by the company itself on Twitter.
WhatsApp will share information such as your phone’s battery level and connection information with Facebook
However, the type of information that is being shared with Faccebook is the main difference. According to the released privacy policy, other information that will be shared with Facebok includes the user’s browser information, language, time zone, IP address and mobile network.
Besides, user phone’s battery level, signal strength and connection information such as internet service provider will also be shared.
Your phone’s battery level, signal strength and connection information — such as your internet service provider — will also be shared.
If you aren’t sure of what types of information that will be shared across Facebook’s family network, you may click here to read the updated current privacy policy.
Still suspicious with the current privacy policy? You can delete your WhatsApp account if you don’t agree with the terms.
