From February 8, 2021, WhatsApp requires all its users to accept its new privacy policy terms and conditions, which notably includes how WhatsApp processes data, and its integration with parent company, Facebook.

The most worrying aspect of the policy, however, is that users will now have to share data with Facebook. Facebook can also send information to WhatsApp. If you don't accept, you won't be able to use WhatsApp anymore. So what exactly is happening? Should you be worried about your privacy? And what can you do about it?

A Brief History of WhatsApp

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Former Yahoo! employees, Brian Acton and Jan Koum, founded WhatsApp in 2009. Using internet-based messaging, WhatsApp is a way to send messages across the world without paying a local carrier call or SMS charges.

In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp and began the first steps towards encrypting messages. After working with Open Whisper Systems, WhatsApp launched end-to-end encryption, making it harder for law enforcement, hackers, or other websites to access private messages.

However, in 2017, WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton eventually left Facebook to build the non-profit Signal Foundation. In the same year, fellow co-founder Jan Koum also left the company over a disagreement with Facebook over data privacy issues regarding the WhatsApp business model.

How Has WhatsApp's Privacy Policy Changed?

A few months after getting a record-breaking two billion users in 2020, WhatsApp began rolling out a few privacy policy changes.

While in early versions of the update in July 2020, WhatsApp gave users 30 days to opt-out of information sharing with Facebook, it will no longer have this option for the February 2021 update.

Related: WhatsApp Now Forces You to Share Data with Facebook

Intending to create a more seamless experience across the Facebook group of companies, the update builds a more holistic view of a single user for an overall better experience.

Naturally, many users believe otherwise.

WhatsApp Privacy Policy Changes
Image Credit: WhatsApp

Key changes in the WhatsApp update include sharing account details with Facebook—your phone number, transaction data, mobile device information, IP address, and “other information identified.”

WhatsApp also details how the data gathered will be used to improve services, suggestions for personalized content, and show relevant ads across the Facebook system.

Through the years, WhatsApp has been working to improve usability for WhatsApp for business, leading many to believe that it’s only a matter of time until the signature Facebook monetization strategy falls into place.

But how do these new terms and conditions affect you right now?

What the Privacy Policy Means for You

The new policy affects users in several ways. Here are a few things you should know.

WhatsApp Still Encrypts Your Messages

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For those worried that their messages can be compromised, the good news is that most messages will still be safe from prying eyes. WhatsApp messages will continue to use end-to-end encryption.

However, this does not apply to messages sent to businesses on WhatsApp. Depending on the privacy policy of the business involved, third-party services may be able to access your correspondences with them, including your personal information.

What Information Is Collected by WhatsApp?

Since WhatsApp still cannot see your messages, the data you can expect them to collect will be personal information. This includes, but isn't limited to, your name, phone number, contact list, and profile pictures.

WhatsApp also retrieves diagnostic data like your battery level, mobile service provider, signal strength, the device used, location, and app usage details.

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WhatsApp will share information about its users when a business uses third party providers to manage their systems. To avoid releasing your information to these businesses, you may opt out, to stop talking to them through this channel and contact them in other ways.

What Will Facebook Do With Your Data?

Unlike Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp is still ad-free—for now. So while advertisers can access information through the WhatsApp for business API, you shouldn’t see any ads on your WhatsApp feed.

Related: Facebook Plans to Merge Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram

However, you can expect to get personalized content based on your personal information on other platforms under the Facebook group of companies, including Instagram and Facebook itself.

For example, if you have used WhatsApp to book dinner at a restaurant, you might receive ads on other platforms for similar dining experiences based on your location.

Can You Securely Use WhatsApp?

While WhatsApp has always marketed itself as secure, it has experienced its share of security threats before. The current privacy policy change doesn’t affect users who prefer being served relevant ads for their convenience, especially since messages between users are utilize end-to-end encryption.

For those determined to keep using WhatsApp, you can do so safely by limiting and decentralizing your information. You can:

  • Use a different phone number for your Facebook account.
  • Turn off geotagging on your smartphone.
  • Avoid messaging companies that use WhatsApp for business through the app.

Facebook Inc. will still collect diagnostic data, and information like your IP address.

Related: What Do These Popular Video Messaging Services Know About You?

Should You Use an Alternative To WhatsApp?

If you’re worried about how WhatsApp might use your data, the good news is there are several other options out there like Telegram, Wire, Threema, and Line.

Signal App on Google Play Store
Image Credit: Ascannio/Shutterstock

One popular alternative is the open-sourced, cross-platform privacy-focused competitor, Signal, developed by former WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. As a non-profit, Signal runs by donation and does not need to monetize itself to serve its users.

WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption feature by Open Whisper Systems actually uses the Signal protocol which was designed by American cryptographer and Signal CEO Moxie Marlinspike.

Should You Delete WhatsApp?

While the new move to integrate data with Facebook is disappointing, it’s not entirely surprising. Following the trend of previous acquisitions, Facebook stays true to its monetization strategy through ads.

WhatsApp is a business. With its free messaging capabilities, it provides value for billions of users from all over the world. It is your job to ask whether or not the service offered is worth what you give up to use it.