Whatsapp Data Sharing With Facebook
WhatsApp, the most popular messaging application, has announced changes in its privacy policy for the first time since its acquisition by Facebook in 2014. WhatsApp has always maintained a strong stance on user’s privacy but this new announcement of WhatsApp data sharing with FaceBook is creating a huge outcry among its users because as per new regulations, privacy would be secondary to marketing tactics and strategy.
Because of the assurance to protect privacy by WhatsApp founders at the time of its acquisition by Facebook, these changes are considered more as a betrayal than improved services.
Why WhatsApp is sharing data with Facebook?
WhatsApp data sharing with FaceBook would enable the later to deliver ads that are more relevant and improved suggestions involving social connections. It would also help in improving the messaging platform and fighting spam.
Many businesses are already using Facebook and WhatsApp services, so with data sharing, they can provide improved services. This data sharing would help these businesses in better customer services.
Because of changes in current spam policy, WhatsApp can be treated as other customer service channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
How this new data sharing affects you as a customer?
WhatsApp data sharing with Facebook would be beneficial for its customers, as the former has assured that they will not sell or share phone numbers with advertisers. End-to-end encryption would still be there to provide complete privacy to customers. Facebook will not be able to access your messages or media.
Connecting phone numbers with Facebook would allow better friend suggestions and relevant ads based on your history. This would improve services and help in fighting spam a lot.
WhatsApp data sharing with FaceBook would help in better communication with different service providers. For example, you can get notifications about delayed flight, latest upcoming sales notifications from your favorite brand or receipts for your latest transaction.
How to opt out of this Whatsapp data sharing with Facebook?
If you are still not convinced and want to opt out of these new changes, do not worry, WhatsApp is providing 30 days period in which you can opt out of this option if you do not want data sharing.
For removing yourself and safeguarding your privacy, you have to follow few simple steps –
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap the action overflow button in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Select Account.
- Tap the check mark to the right of Share my account info.
- To disable the feature, tap Don’t Share.
Then a pop-up appears, that reads, “If you tap ‘Don’t Share’, you won’t be able to change this in the future.” After you follow through with this action, the option will no longer be visible from the Account section of Settings.
Your information would not be shared with Facebook or any of its acquired companies anymore. Time would tell how much the services are improved and WhatsApp users are benefited with this decision.