WhatsApp privacy policy changes means user data will now be shared with Facebook!
The messaging leader WhatsApp, owned by Facebook has announced a major change to its privacy policy allowing it to share data with its parent company not least for ad-targeting purposes. This is the first change to the company’s privacy policy since it was acquired by Facebook in 2014.
In their blog, WhatsApp allege that “by coordinating with Facebook, we’ll be able to do things like track basic metrics about how often people use our services and better fight spam on WhatsApp.”
So what does this mean for users? By relaxing some of the restrictions surrounding user data, Facebook will now have access to certain information. Under the new terms and conditions, WhatsApp data that will be shared includes details of the phone number used to verify the account and details of the last time they used the service. Does this mean better friend suggestions and more relevant ads or an excuse to bombard people with advertising?
The company argues that they are looking to change the way businesses communicate in a manner that benefits the end-user so for example, allowing SMS text messages from airlines with flight alerts to now be sent on WhatsApp instead.
Arguably, there are benefits to receiving much of the information we receive elsewhere on WhatsApp but there is likely to be a backlash and criticism regarding privacy despite the fact that many WhatsApp users are also Facebook account holders.
Both Facebook and WhatsApp have asserted that they won’t post or share users’ WhatsApp numbers nor sell, share or provide advertisers with phone numbers. However, WhatsApp will be sharing the data with Facebook’s ‘family of companies’ meaning user data could also be used by Oculus Rift and Instagram.
What is perhaps most unsettling for people is the loosening of privacy to Facebook, a business borne of monetizing usage via interest-based advertising by analysing the personal data of its account holders.
With over a billion users a piece, it is likely to cause a reaction and may attract the attention of data regulators in Europe who have much more stringent rules regarding privacy and have already investigated Facebook concerning data protection.
So is it possible to opt out? Apparently not, unless you stop using WhatsApp altogether. However, a spokesperson for WhatsApp did comment that: “We understand people with WhatsApp accounts might want to opt out of sharing their account information to improve their Facebook experiences. They have an additional 30 days to opt out after accepting the new terms so they have time to consider their choices.”
To opt out go to Settings > Account > Share my account info and uncheck the box and be sure to do so within the thirty day window.
Is this the price we now have to pay as we have become so intrinsically connected to our social media accounts or is this a step too far?
