You can stop WhatsApp from sharing your number
NEWDELHI: About two years ago, when Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion, the world’s most popular messaging app’s CEO, Jan Koum, said “nothing would change” in its privacy policy and handling of user data. “There would have been no partnership between our two companies if we had to compromise on the core principles .”
Times change. And, it seems, so do privacy policies.
WhatsApp updated its policy from Friday, and now it wants to share users’ phone numbers with Facebook.
But are they holding a gun to your head? It would seem so at first, as the notification gives you 30 days to accept the conditions. However, if you read the new terms and conditions, you will find that there is a way to not put your phone number where a legion of hungry brands could get it. Rather than clicking “agree”, press the smaller “read more” option below, and uncheck the box that reads “Share my WhatsApp account information with Facebook...”
And even if you have already accepted the new terms — you still have 30 days to opt out. Just head to the app’s settings menu, and press the account tab. From there, you can uncheck the box reading “Share my account info”.
They say the move will help Facebook send advertising towards consumer with more precision, while keeping WhatsApp free of ads.
WhatsApp described situations where banks and airlines will use your phone number to get in touch about fraudulent payments, or delayed flights. It said nothing users share on WhatsApp — messages, photos, account information — will be shared on Facebook.
So, why the fuss? According to WhatsApp, the new policy will share the registered phone number and the last time the user had used the service. “Sharing some information allows us to coordinate more . For example, we will be able to more accurately count unique users, help fight spam and abuse better and if you are a Facebook user, you might see better friend suggestions and more relevant ads.”
Do we believe them? Not readily. Facebook has to make money, a job at which it is very good. Targeted advertisements is another way of increasing revenues . If WhatsApp remains free to use and free of advertisement, the company needs to think of ways to make money.