WhatsApp has updated its privacy policies, mandating users to share data with parent company Facebook. There was a similar change in July 2020, but users no longer have the option to “not have your WhatsApp account information shared with Facebook.”
WhatsApp Mandates Facebook Data-Sharing
A screenshot shared by the XDA Developers website, that appears to come from an Android phone, shows a message appearing to users highlighting the forthcoming change. The full privacy policy, which will take effect on 8 February, 2021 is available to read in full. On a FAQ page, WhatsApp explains the data it shares with Facebook businesses:
WhatsApp currently shares certain categories of information with Facebook Companies. The information we share with the other Facebook Companies. includes your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service-related information, information on how you interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address, and may include other information identified in the Privacy Policy section entitled ‘Information We Collect’ or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent.
Updated: January 7, 2020
The warning message just appeared on my iPhone in the UK:
Interestingly, the Android screenshot includes a third bullet point that I did not see on iOS:
How we partner with Facebook to offer integrations across the Facebook Company Products.
Updated to include iOS message and to correct/clarify what appears in Android message and FAQs.