To update (01/12/2021 @ 06:10 ET): WhatsApp’s privacy policy is vague about the collection and use of shared location information and its sharing with Facebook. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article published on January 12, 2021 is preserved below.
WhatsApp recently updated its terms and privacy policy to require data sharing with all companies in the Facebook family. This created quite a stir among WhatsApp users around the world, with many migrating to alternatives like Signal and Telegram. The policy change has also raised some concerns about Facebook’s agenda and led to some misleading rumors that have accelerated user exit. In an attempt to clear things up, WhatsApp has posted an answer to some of the most frequently asked questions about its privacy measures and data sharing policy.
The Facebook-owned messenger recently updated its FAQ section with new answers highlighting how it will continue to protect private messages, despite some rumors to the contrary. It states that the policy update “It does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family in any way. Instead, this update includes changes related to a company’s messaging on WhatsApp, which is optional and provides greater transparency on how we collect and use data. “
A new infographic shared by the company highlights that WhatsApp cannot see private messages or listen to calls and, therefore, neither can Facebook. It also reveals that WhatsApp does not keep logs of who users are texting or calling, cannot see the shared location, does not share contact information with Facebook, and WhatsApp groups remain private.
Regarding conversations with companies, WhatsApp clarified that some companies on the platform will use Facebook’s hosting services to manage WhatsApp chats. These companies may use the information for their own marketing purposes, such as running targeted ads on Facebook. To ensure that users know when they are communicating with such a business, WhatsApp will clearly tag the conversation in the app. The company also adds that it will use the purchase activity of users to personalize their experience in Stores, and if users interact with an ad on the platform, Facebook can “Use the way you interact with these ads to personalize the ads you see on Facebook.”
While these responses address some of the rumors floating around on various social media platforms (including WhatsApp), they may not be enough to sway public opinion. What is your opinion on this topic? Will you continue to use WhatsApp or will you opt for other messengers like Signal or Telegram after the new policy changes go into effect next month? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Update: WhatsApp FAQs Provide Misleading Information About Shared Location Access
As you can see from the attached infographic above, WhatsApp clearly mentions that “You can’t see your shared location and neither can Facebook.” However, the company’s new privacy policy is not entirely clear on this. In the ‘Information Collected Automatically’ section of its new policy, the company notes:
“Location information. We collect and use precise location information from your device with your permission when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or see nearby locations or locations that others have shared with you. There are certain settings related to location-related information that you can find in your device settings or application settings, such as location sharing. Even if you don’t use our location-related features, we use IP addresses and other information such as area codes for phone numbers to estimate your general location (for example, city and country). We also use your location information for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes. “
Although WhatsApp is clear about the collection and use of precise location information, the wording of the policy is a bit vague when it comes to collecting and using shared location information on the platform. In addition to that, it’s also worth noting that while WhatsApp gives you the “option” to disable location access and not use any location-related features, the platform still collects your general location information using your IP address. and the area code of the phone number. In regards to location sharing with Facebook and other companies, WhatsApp’s privacy policy states:
“We work with third-party service providers and other Facebook companies to help us operate, provide, improve, understand, personalize, support, and market our Services. For example, we work with them to distribute our applications; provide our technical and physical infrastructure, delivery and other systems; provide engineering support, cybersecurity support, and operational support; provide location, map and place information; process payments; help us understand how people use our Services; market our Services; help you connect with companies that use our Services; conduct surveys and research for us; ensure safety, security and integrity; and helps with customer service. “
The policy clearly states that WhatsApp shares your location information with third parties. So if you are collecting shared location information, it is obviously shared with Facebook and other companies as well. If we give WhatsApp the benefit of the doubt here and believe the company’s claims not to collect and use shared location information, the confusing and poorly written policy will give the company the leeway to do exactly that without facing legal repercussions in the future.
