In 2014, Facebook decided to merge with WhatsApp, and the most popular social media network pretty much went on and bought the messaging application. However, since the merge, many users have been wondering about one thing – access to their data.
They wanted to know just how much of their information could be exchanged between the two platforms without them being aware of it. Many users experienced an awkward situation upon realizing that WhatsApp might have shared more with Facebook than the users wanted.
It’s all thanks to a new in-app notification that stirred the pot by raising awareness about the fact that WhatsApp did share its data with Facebook almost five years ago. Let’s get deeper into the details.
The Problem Dates Back to 2016
WhatsApp makes frequent updates to the terms of its privacy policy with the main goal to expand on its practices regarding the way business users can store their information and data generated by their communications.
The app recently launched a pop-up notification alerting the users that the privacy policy will change and the only way to continue using the service is to accept the new terms. However, the app deleted the section about opting out of sharing certain pieces of information with Facebook. Understandably, people were shocked that WhatsApp did not present users with an alternative. In other words, it made it so that users have to agree with the new policy or stop using the app.
To most WhatsApp users, this was nothing more than a request to share data without any alternative left to the users. In the eyes of the users, the app finally crossed the line. When they addressed the company directly with high hopes of resolving this issue, the company simply reflected on how they have been sharing data with Facebook since 2016.
The Leak of User Data and the Opt-Out Option
From the moment WhatsApp launched its major and problematic update to its privacy policy, the service started leaking user data and metadata to Facebook.
In the meantime, all new users who joined the app since the major update in 2016 have had their personal information shared with Facebook for almost five years now. When contacted by the press and media, WhatsApp simply pointed out that the newest and latest updates to the privacy policy don’t change the existing practise of sharing user data with Facebook.
How It All Works
Despite all this being so, WhatsApp still has top security features like end-to-end encryption set in place. Your content, photos, and messages you exchange with other users on WhatsApp can only be viewed by you and the users you choose to exchange data with on your personal devices.
Facebook and WhatsApp don’t have insight into your private communications. Facebook even made efforts to expand its encryption features in order to provide a safer environment for its users. However, don’t let this distract you from the fact that some portion of user data reaches Facebook. In a sense, it means that it will be used for profit, such as delivering more personalized ads.
The new privacy terms (which will come into action on February 8) will likely scare off some of WhatsApp’s users. In fact, after people learned about the change, millions rushed to using other instant messaging apps. Signal and Telegram were the most popular among people dropping WhatsApp. The apps reported incredible surges in new users, which are very likely to be related to the backlash WhatsApp received.
Conclusion
After the massive confusion over its new privacy policy, WhatsApp decided to delay it until May 15, 2021. However, it might be the time you choose another instant messaging application, preferably with no relation to Facebook. While such sneaky data exchanges might be new to some users, they are anything but rare.
Many companies share data with third parties, presumably as a source of revenue. To limit such privacy intrusions, you can use a VPN. It encrypts your web traffic, meaning that companies won’t be able to follow your activities as much. Additionally, it renders your connection anonymous, meaning that even your real location will be hidden from prying eyes.
In conclusion, WhatsApp’s new privacy policy is something to worry about. While loyal users might stick to it even after this, some will surely turn to other providers.