That means WhatsApp users could soon start seeing more targeted ads and Facebook friend suggestions on Facebook based on WhatsApp information – although not on the messaging service itself. Its acquisition by Facebook two years ago sparked complaints from activists who anxious the new owner would start mining WhatsApp accounts.
Advertisement
Whether that will make a difference or not, we’re not sure, but it’s worth a try if you’re really intent upon stopping WhatsApp and Facebook sharing information. This option exists only for 30 days after the user accepts the new terms and conditions.
The decision comes four months after WhatsApp rolled out strong end-to-end encryption as a default feature for all users, saying this made the content of their communications impenetrable to all but those sending or receiving a given message.
Explaining how it will work, the spokesperson said that if a person has the Facebook app and WhatsApp app installed on the same device, even with different phone numbers, by using the device identifier, Facebook will now be able to map the two in the background using the basic device information. “We won’t post or share your WhatsApp number with others, including on Facebook, and we still won’t sell, share, or give your phone number to advertisers”, Whatsapp said.
WhatsApp on Thursday offered a glimpse of its plans for turning on the money spigot, releasing new documents that describe the company’s privacy policy and the terms of service that users must agree to follow. “We have no intention to introduce them, but if we ever do, we will update this policy”.
From here, tap the “Account” tab and uncheck the box that reads “Share my account info”.
KitGuru Says: This is a fairly big change in the WhatsApp privacy policy but then again, Facebook has been known to harvest user data. “Not WhatsApp, not Facebook, nor anyone else”, it said yesterday.
Advertisement
You can find out more details about the changes coming to WhatsApp at the link below, it will be possible for you to opt out of this data sharing if you want too. This will only be shared once you have agreed to the revised Terms of Service, though.
