WhatsApp has rolled out a new privacy policy agreement, one that you’ll see pop up as soon as you open the app. If you typically blindly agree to the terms and conditions of privacy policies, you might want to take a closer look at this one.
WhatsApp’s Policy Puts Your Privacy at Risk
WhatsApp’s new policy is forcing users to share their data with Facebook. And if you don’t agree? Well, WhatsApp just might delete your account.
WhatsApp outlined the changes to its policies not only on the in-app notfication, but also on its website’s Privacy Policy page. Buried beneath paragraphs of legal information lies an entirely new section: “How We Work With Other Facebook Companies.”
Here, WhatsApp fleshes out how Facebook will get its hands on your information. As a part of the new agreement, WhatsApp will share your information with Facebook, and will even receive information from Facebook as well.
This means that WhatsApp and Facebook can exchange data, which will help WhatsApp “operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market” its services, including Facebook Company Products.
The purpose of the data exchange seems to be related to Facebook’s plan to merge Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Sharing your information with both Facebook and WhatsApp will apparently give you a more personalized experience on the Facebook family of apps.
You’ll see improved services, better suggestions, and ads tailored to you across all Facebook services. It will also provide “integrations which enable you to connect your WhatsApp experiences with other Facebook Company Products.”
But Facebook isn’t the only company that will get a peek at your personal information; the privacy policy also gives third-party services the ability to see your data. If you’re interacting with a business on the app that utilizes a third-party service, that service may be able to see your information too.
The same goes for other third-party services on WhatsApp. For example, if you use the in-app video player, WhatsApp may give that service access to your IP address.
To make matters worse, WhatsApp doesn’t even give you the choice to keep your data private. You must accept the new policy by February 8, 2021, or you’ll be barred from using the app.
Is It Time to Delete WhatsApp?
WhatsApp was previously touted as a free and secure messaging app, serving as a viable alternative to Facebook Messenger. But now that Facebook is trying to merge all of its apps, WhatsApp loses its appeal.
It’s incredibly wrong for WhatsApp to force data sharing on its users. That said, it might be time to swap to a more private alternative.
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