WhatsApp is one of the most popular apps around the world with more than 2 billion active users, but some users may lose their accounts unless they agree to share specific data with Facebook.
WhatsApp announced that it is making changes to its privacy policy, effective February 8th, making it mandatory for users in all countries outside Europe and the UK to share their data with parent company Facebook.
The change affects the way WhatsApp processes data, and will apply regardless of whether its users have a Facebook account.
The privacy policy explains: "As part of Facebook companies, WhatsApp receives and shares information from other Facebook companies. 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, support and market our services and offers with them.
Speaking to MailOnline, a WhatsApp spokesman said: "There are no changes to WhatsApp's data sharing practices in the European region (including the UK), arising from the terms of service and the updated privacy policy. To avoid any doubt, WhatsApp does not share user data for the European region with Facebook, with the aim of using the social site to improve its products or ads. "WhatsApp confirmed that users of the app in the UK and Europe will not share their data with Facebook.
While WhatsApp will start sharing data with Facebook, it's important to note that the app is encrypted by default, which means Facebook won't be able to see the contents of your messages.
However, you will be able to see who you are messaging, as well as how often you do so.
If you're using WhatsApp, you should have received a notification this week explaining the changes.
The notice sets out the new Privacy Policy and urges you to "agree" to the terms, saying: "By clicking ON AGREE, you agree to the new terms and conditions and the privacy policy, which will come into effect on February 8, 2021. After this date, you'll need to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp."
Unsurprisingly, many WhatsApp users are very angry about the change, with many taking to Twitter to express their frustration.
One user wrote: "He tells me That I have to accept sharing my data with Facebook, otherwise I can't use WhatsApp." It's time to delete WhatsApp."
Another added: "Ready to delete Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp." Ready to go to Telegram, Signal and Twitter...
Source: Daily Mail
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