WhatsApp plans to start sharing account information, including when a member last used the app with its parent company Facebook. “But once WhatsApp agreed to be acquired by data-mining social network giant Facebook, back in February 2014, the writing was arguably on the wall for any pro-privacy stance”. While Facebook does not share phone numbers with advertisers (in theory), it’s still yet another link in an increasingly long daisy chain of personal information making its way online.
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“We want to explore ways for you to communicate with businesses that matter to you too, while still giving you an experience without third-party banner ads and spam”, said a WhatsApp spokesperson. WhatsApp founder Jan Koum promised users that its privacy policy would not change when Facebook bought the company in 2014. Click the settings gear in the app, go to account and remove the check mark from the “share my account info” option. The first is when users are presented with the new terms and conditions and asked to agree.
Jonathan Armstrong, partner at law firm Cordery, told InfoSecurity Magazine that changes such as these could result in regulatory problems if users feel they haven’t been adequately notified. “There’s also an issue when large companies buy smaller ones in this space when they collect the data across platforms – for example the Dutch/French privacy action against Google shows us this is a concern”.
“The key will be making sure users know what’s happening”.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said the changes would affect “a lot of people”, with some thinking it will mean “a better service” and others “concerned by the lack of control”.
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Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner is investigating the changes, and says any processing of data must be “adequate, relevant, not excessive and not prejudicial to the rights of the individual”. “We are looking into this”.
