WhatsApp Updates Terms of Service & Privacy Policy to Add Sharing Information With Facebook: How To Opt Out From This
On Thursday, WhatsApp updated its terms of service and privacy policy to say that it will finally start sharing user data with Facebook. Although WhatsApp promises that users will still not see any ads within the app itself, your WhatsApp information could be used for better targeting of ads and showing “You may also know” profiles on Facebook. Reading through the updated terms, it's clear that this is just one small change, and that WhatsApp is actually looking to become a very different platform now.
The company says that the information will be used for ads on Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as helping to improve the messaging platform. But many people are angry that some of their most personal information – their chats – could potentially be compromised as part of the deal with Facebook. But as for now, that's not going to happen.
Now it has emerged that there is a hidden way of opting out of the terms, and ensuring that no data is sent over to Facebook. But it has to be done quickly.
The first way can only be done if you haven’t accepted the new terms, using the pop-up that will emerge when you open up WhatsApp. If you haven’t, wait until that happens but don’t click “agree” – instead navigate to the smaller “read more” option, and untick the box that says “Share my WhatsApp account information with Facebook”.
If you’ve already accepted those new terms, you can still opt out – as long as it’s within 30 days. You can do that by heading to the settings menu in the app, and pressing on the account tab – there you’ll find a “share my account info” button that you can undress and revoke your permission.
This is the first major privacy update announced by the company since it was acquired by Facebook in the year 2014 for a whopping $19 billion.
Here's all you need to know about the 'big change' coming to WhatsApp.
1. You can still opt out from this latest update in the policy.
According to WhatsApp, current users have up to 30 days to accept the new policy terms or stop using the service. Once they accept, they have 30 more days to opt out of sharing with Facebook.
2. WhatsApp will not sell your number to Advertiser:
WhatsApp has assure that they will for sure not be selling your number to any advertiser for the sake of their own profit. So if that's the assurity atleast we are safe for now.
3. No ads in WhatsApp:
Don't worry, you will ne be seeing any ads in your WhatsApp or in your chat conversations.
4. Device and operating information to be shared:
WhatsApp will begin to 'coordinate' accounts with Facebook by sharing WhatsApp users' mobile phone numbers and device information like the type of operating system and other details about the users' smartphones.
5. Where the ads will come from: 'Custom Audiences':
The ads would come through a Facebook program called 'Custom Audiences', which lets a business upload lists of customers and phone numbers or other contact information that the business has collected from warranty cards or other sources. Facebook matches the list to users with the same information and shows them ads. For example, if you sign up to your local flower shop's mailing list using the same mobile phone number that you use for your WhatsApp account, and they decide to advertise on Facebook, you may see their ads on Facebook," the spokesperson explained.
6. How will it work:
A WhatsApp spokesperson explained to ET how this will work. According to him, whenever a person signs up on WhatsApp, he/she provides a phone number as an identifier, and a unique number that is associated with the device (such as smartphone or tablet) that the WhatsApp app is installed on. If a person has the Facebook app and WhatsApp app installed on the same device, even with different phone number, by using the device identifier, Facebook will now be able to map the two in the background using the basic device information.
7. Facebook will be integrated, atleast for now:
Facebook has no plans to integrate WhatsApp and its other messaging service Messenger.
8. Chat encryption will not be harmed:
The communication on WhatsApp will continue to be encrypted end-to-end. The end-to-end encryption feature was rolled out earlier this year.
9. Will protect from spamming:
WhatsApp claims that post the integration, it can better fight spam using more personalized data from Facebook. The spokesperson also said that the focus will remain on ensuring that users are not spammed.
So think wisely dear users and take your step. I will definately prefer not to accept the terms and condition and uncheck it as soon as possible.
Cheers!!!
The company says that the information will be used for ads on Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as helping to improve the messaging platform. But many people are angry that some of their most personal information – their chats – could potentially be compromised as part of the deal with Facebook. But as for now, that's not going to happen.
Now it has emerged that there is a hidden way of opting out of the terms, and ensuring that no data is sent over to Facebook. But it has to be done quickly.
The first way can only be done if you haven’t accepted the new terms, using the pop-up that will emerge when you open up WhatsApp. If you haven’t, wait until that happens but don’t click “agree” – instead navigate to the smaller “read more” option, and untick the box that says “Share my WhatsApp account information with Facebook”.
If you’ve already accepted those new terms, you can still opt out – as long as it’s within 30 days. You can do that by heading to the settings menu in the app, and pressing on the account tab – there you’ll find a “share my account info” button that you can undress and revoke your permission.
This is the first major privacy update announced by the company since it was acquired by Facebook in the year 2014 for a whopping $19 billion.
Here's all you need to know about the 'big change' coming to WhatsApp.
1. You can still opt out from this latest update in the policy.
According to WhatsApp, current users have up to 30 days to accept the new policy terms or stop using the service. Once they accept, they have 30 more days to opt out of sharing with Facebook.
2. WhatsApp will not sell your number to Advertiser:
WhatsApp has assure that they will for sure not be selling your number to any advertiser for the sake of their own profit. So if that's the assurity atleast we are safe for now.
3. No ads in WhatsApp:
Don't worry, you will ne be seeing any ads in your WhatsApp or in your chat conversations.
4. Device and operating information to be shared:
WhatsApp will begin to 'coordinate' accounts with Facebook by sharing WhatsApp users' mobile phone numbers and device information like the type of operating system and other details about the users' smartphones.
5. Where the ads will come from: 'Custom Audiences':
The ads would come through a Facebook program called 'Custom Audiences', which lets a business upload lists of customers and phone numbers or other contact information that the business has collected from warranty cards or other sources. Facebook matches the list to users with the same information and shows them ads. For example, if you sign up to your local flower shop's mailing list using the same mobile phone number that you use for your WhatsApp account, and they decide to advertise on Facebook, you may see their ads on Facebook," the spokesperson explained.
6. How will it work:
A WhatsApp spokesperson explained to ET how this will work. According to him, whenever a person signs up on WhatsApp, he/she provides a phone number as an identifier, and a unique number that is associated with the device (such as smartphone or tablet) that the WhatsApp app is installed on. If a person has the Facebook app and WhatsApp app installed on the same device, even with different phone number, by using the device identifier, Facebook will now be able to map the two in the background using the basic device information.
7. Facebook will be integrated, atleast for now:
Facebook has no plans to integrate WhatsApp and its other messaging service Messenger.
8. Chat encryption will not be harmed:
The communication on WhatsApp will continue to be encrypted end-to-end. The end-to-end encryption feature was rolled out earlier this year.
9. Will protect from spamming:
WhatsApp claims that post the integration, it can better fight spam using more personalized data from Facebook. The spokesperson also said that the focus will remain on ensuring that users are not spammed.
So think wisely dear users and take your step. I will definately prefer not to accept the terms and condition and uncheck it as soon as possible.
Cheers!!!
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