New WhatsApp Privacy Policy Will Require Users To Share Data With Facebook

When Facebook originally acquired the popular messaging platform WhatsApp, many users and experts raised concerns about how data would be shared between the two companies. Back then, Facebook denied that users’ personal information would be hoovered up from its acquired app. However, WhatsApp changed its privacy policy this week to require users to share data with Facebook.

“As part of the Facebook Companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, the other Facebook Companies,” the new privacy policy states. “We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings.”

Thankfully, the new privacy policy won’t affect WhatsApp users who chose to stop sharing information with Facebook in 2016 when the option was available. However, all other users will be required to accept the new policy by February 8. According to PC Mag, the ones who don’t will receive an alert subtly recommending that they delete their account.

For a company like Facebook that’s already concerned with its public image in relation to privacy, this is bound to be an unpopular move. But as long as the social media giant obtains even more of our personal info, that’s a trade-off it’s probably willing to make.




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