After WhatsApp updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, the company is now notifying users via its mobile app that, from February, they will have to share their data on Facebook.
On Monday, WhatsApp changed the Terms of Service of its service regarding the way it handles the data it holds, stating that it focuses on respect and privacy of users. And before the ink dries, the company gives its users a hard ultimatum, with only three options available:
- accept the sharing of their data with Facebook,
- stop using the application altogether or
- to delete their account.
If you want to continue using the service after February, you have no choice but to accept the sharing of your data with Facebook.
The new updates are definitely a 180 degree turn, compared to last year 's privacy policy, applicable from July 2020 until today, and users can choose not to share their Facebook WhatsApp account information to improve the company's ads and products.
With the new policy changes, users will now be forced to accept the sharing of their data with Facebook to continue using their account or, alternatively, delete their accounts as WhatsApp says.
The message appears in mobile applications and is in English. By clicking AGREE, you accept the new terms and privacy policy, which take effect on February 8, 2021.
As the WhatsAppp message states: “After this date, you will have to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp. You can also visit the Help Center if you prefer to delete your account and want more information. ”
Several Facebook companies have access to the data we collect
This week's privacy policy updates, however, also state that WhatsApp will share user data with other Facebook Companies. In fact, this will happen even if users do not have a Facebook account and have never used Facebook.
The Facebook companies to access WhatsApp users' data as soon as the new policy changes take effect in February include Facebook, Facebook Payments, Onavo, Facebook Technologies and CrowdTangle.
As WhatsApp explains "We will use the information we receive from users to assist in the operation, provision, improvement, understanding, customization, support and marketing of our Services and offers, including Facebook products."
"The information we share with other Facebook companies includes your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service information, your location data, information on how to interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services. Also information about your mobile device, your IP address and may include other information specified in the Privacy Policy section entitled " Information we collect "Or received upon notice to you or with your consent."
