WhatsApp recently updated its privacy policy, requiring users to agree to new terms if they want to keep using the messaging app. The new policy has raised some concerns among users about what personal data WhatsApp collects and shares. Here’s a look at what happens if you accept the new WhatsApp privacy policy.
What information does WhatsApp collect?
By accepting the privacy policy, you allow WhatsApp to collect certain information from you, including:
- Phone number
- Profile name
- Profile picture
- Status message
- Contacts in your address book
- Transaction data (if you use WhatsApp Pay)
- Device information like OS version, mobile network, and phone model
- IP address
- Any messages, photos, videos, voice messages, files or calls you send through WhatsApp
WhatsApp says they do not retain your messages once they’ve been delivered. However, if you use the backup feature, your messages are stored on their servers in encrypted form.
Who does WhatsApp share your data with?
By agreeing to the privacy policy, you allow WhatsApp to share certain data with its parent company, Facebook, as well as its affiliated companies. This includes:
- Phone number
- Some user profile data
- Information about how you interact with others on WhatsApp
- Your IP address
- Device data
According to WhatsApp, this information is shared to improve infrastructure, delivery systems, fight spam, enforce their terms, and customize products and ads on Facebook company platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what they share:
| Shared with | Data shared |
|---|---|
| Phone number, some profile info, IP address, usage data | |
| Facebook Affiliates | Device data, service-related info |
| Service Providers | Limited data to perform services on behalf of WhatsApp |
However, WhatsApp states that its end-to-end encryption ensures that none of your personal conversations, files or calls are shared with Facebook for ads or product purposes.
How does WhatsApp use your information?
WhatsApp uses the data they collect for the following purposes:
- Deliver, maintain and improve their services
- Ensure safety, security, and integrity across their platforms
- Communicate with you about offers and promote their services
- Provide measurement, analytics, and other business services
- Comply with legal obligations
- Research and innovate to make their services better
Does WhatsApp share your location data?
WhatsApp can collect precise location data from your device if you enable location sharing. This allows you to share your real-time location with contacts. If enabled, WhatsApp may share your location data with Facebook companies to provide and improve location-based services.
Can you opt-out of data sharing?
Under the new policy, there is no option to opt-out of sharing data with Facebook. However, you can control what information appears on your profile and limit some sharing features:
- Don’t fill out your WhatsApp profile details
- Turn off last seen/online and read receipts
- Disable location sharing
- Turn off backups to Google Drive or iCloud
But ultimately, if you want to keep using WhatsApp, you must consent to the new privacy policy terms and accept data sharing with Facebook.
What happens if you don’t accept the privacy policy?
According to WhatsApp, if you do not agree to the updated terms, you will not be able to access your WhatsApp account or use the app. At first, you will encounter limited functionality, and for a short time you can still receive calls and notifications. But after a few weeks, you won’t be able to receive incoming calls or notifications and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to your phone.
Are there privacy risks?
While WhatsApp maintains end-to-end encryption for messages, there are some privacy risks to consider:
- Facebook can use your data for ad targeting and draw insights about your habits/connections
- Authorities may be able to access certain encrypted data
- Hackers or rogue employees could misuse data
- Your personal info and metadata remains visible to WhatsApp/Facebook
How to minimize risks:
Here are some tips to help minimize privacy risks on WhatsApp:
- Don’t share sensitive info over WhatsApp calls/messages
- Be cautious about location sharing
- Review your privacy/security settings
- Install updates promptly to get security fixes
- Use two-factor authentication
- Set a strong password and change it periodically
- Be wary of phishing attempts
- Don’t click suspicious links or download unverified content
- Use a VPN when on public WiFi
Is it safe for businesses?
WhatsApp can be safely used for business, but it’s important to keep best practices in mind:
- Don’t send confidential company data over WhatsApp
- Ensure employees use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Install app updates promptly
- Limit employee access to necessary data only
- Develop a cybersecurity policy for mobile usage
- Use enterprise mobility management tools
- Educate employees on social media risks
Conclusion
Accepting WhatsApp’s privacy policy means allowing increased data sharing with Facebook and its affiliates. However, WhatsApp states that the core content of your messages remains private. While there are privacy risks to weigh, WhatsApp can still be used safely if proper precautions are taken. Be thoughtful about what data you share, review privacy settings, and keep good security habits.