WhatsApp’s Updated Privacy Policy Will Allow It to Share Your Number with Facebook

BY Rajesh Pandey

Published 25 Aug 2016

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For the first time in four years and since being acquired by Facebook, WhatsApp today updated its terms and privacy policy to reflect some of the changes that it is planning on implementing. The updated privacy policy also highlights the new features that WhatsApp has rolled out recently including end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp calling, WhatsApp for web, and more.

The updated terms and privacy policy will allow WhatsApp to experiment with ways on how people and businesses could communicate with each other over its platform. The company had already announced earlier that it would be granting businesses access to its platform so that they can provide you relevant information about your purchase or deliveries, but it cannot do so without updating its privacy policy and terms. However, the company reiterates that it does not want to offer a spammy experience to its users and there will not be any third-party banner ads and spam inside the app.

WhatsApp also reiterates that with end-to-end encryption rolled out, all messages that you send and receive are encrypted by default and no one will be able to access or read them. This is important since the company is now coordinating with Facebook that it will allow it to track metrics related to its services and app better. Most importantly perhaps, WhatsApp will also be connecting your phone number with Facebook’s systems. This will allow Facebook to offer more relevant friend suggestions and display ads tailored to your needs. This will also allow WhatsApp to better fight spam and abuse.

For all privacy freaks out there, WhatsApp clarifies that none of your photos, media, messages and other content from WhatsApp will be shared onto Facebook. Additionally, WhatsApp is also providing an opt-out option for people who are not comfortable with the company sharing their number with Facebook. More information about this can be found here.

This move from WhatsApp is definitely going to raise a few eyebrows, but the company has made it pretty clear that it does not plan on offering a spammy experience inside its app anytime soon. It will be interesting to see how that pans out.

[Via WhatsApp]