If you’re using WhatsApp then you should know the company is now allowed to share your data with Facebook. Don’t worry though, you can still opt out. But you will need to do this now.
It’s no secret. Facebook acquired WhatsApp. That was a little over 2 years ago already. And since that acquisition, WhatsApp dropped the $1 (or £0.99 in the UK) it used to charge you for buying the app from the Apple store. So now, the app is left without any monetisation model. And Facebook does not like this very much.
As you have probably agreed to the update in its T&Cs, WhatsApp can now share your usage data with its parent company. There is no doubt Facebook will use this newly uncovered data to… serve us more ads! Of course, in its announcement, WhatsApp turns this into two customer benefits:
1. It helps fight spam on WhatsApp
[quote]By coordinating more with Facebook, we’ll be able to do things like track basic metrics about how often people use our services and better fight spam on WhatsApp.[/quote]
2. Facebook will come up with better suggestions
[quote]Facebook can offer better friend suggestions and show you more relevant ads if you have an account with them. For example, you might see an ad from a company you already work with, rather than one from someone you’ve never heard of.[/quote]
So it’s All Good, No?
Well, in a way yes. But the new T&Cs go a step further. Your data will also be shared across the “Facebook family of companies.” Now I am not bothered about seeing more relevant ads on Facebook, or getting a better spam filter on WhatsApp. But what happens when my usage information also gets shared to other parties I am not aware of? How big is the “Facebook family of companies?”
The two main pieces of data that WhatsApp will be sharing with Facebook are, your phone number (creepy), and your overall app usage. It doesn’t seem like much, but for Facebook this is gold.
You Can Still Opt Out
Even if you have already accepted the new T&Cs, you can still opt out from having your data shared with Facebook.
To exercise your right to opt out head over to Settings > Account > Share my info and deactivate the option
Don’t wait too long before you do so however. You only have 30 days to uncheck the box before this partial opt out expires.
Image credit: TechCrunch
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook Tests New Desktop Layout Redesign
Reports say that some users are starting to see a new Facebook desktop layout, with all options listed on a …
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
Meta Demos Voice Controlled Builder Bot That Creates VR Spaces
Meta's latest AI research introduces a prototype technology capable of generating immersive objects through voice commands only.
Facebook Is Removing The Ability To Create Profile Frames
As part of its efforts to continue banning anti-vax messages, Meta is removing the ability for users to create frames.
Facebook Is About To Shut Down Campus
Facebook has informed users via an in-app message that it will be shutting down Campus - its college-focused social network.
Meta Updates Its Company Values
In the aftermath of its major rebranding, Meta is announcing a new company mission formed by a group of values.
Messenger Provides New Guide On Online Safety
Messenger has published a handy decision tree graphic that guides users and parents to find the safety features they need.
