Is WhatsApp Privacy a Big Fat Facebook Lie? What You Need to Know.
WhatsApp Privacy: Facebook’s New “Data Use” Policy
I have been getting a ton of questions on the privacy of your personal data that is sent through WhatsApp. Is Facebook, who owns WhatsApp, sharing everything you write, including all of your contacts, messages and behaviors? It’s not quite that simple, but neither is Facebook.
Facebook announced a new WhatsApp privacy policy recently which created A LOT of confusion and user backlash. The changes caused such an uproar that they ultimately have decided to delay release of the new WhatsApp privacy agreement from Feb. 8 to May 15 while they sort themselves out. So let me give you a head start!
Behind all of this, WhatsApp is trying to break into the world of messaging for businesses (to compete with Slack and other programs). That way, when you communicate with a business, Facebook will see what you’re saying and use that information for advertising purposes.
Your Data That Can Be Accessed By Facebook
Facebook contends that your private messages will remain encrypted end-to-end, including to them, but Facebook & WhatsApp will have access to everything they’ve had access to since 2014:
- Phone numbers being used
- How often the app is opened
- The operating system and resolution of the device screen
- An estimation of your location at time of usage based on your internet connection
Purportedly, Facebook won’t keep records on whom people are contacting in WhatsApp, and WhatsApp contacts aren’t shared with Facebook. Given Facebook’s miserable history with our personal privacy, I don’t actually believe that they will limit information sharing to the degree that they promise. I think that this is one of those cases where they will secretly violate our privacy until it is discovered and then ask forgiveness and lean on the fact that we have no legislation protecting us as consumers. But please be aware that if you utilize Facebook, you are already sharing a massive amount of information about yourself and your contacts. WhatsApp may just add another piece of data into your profile.Watch The Social Dilemma on Netflix if you’d like to learn more about how you are being used to power their profits.
Highly Private Messaging Alternatives to WhatsApp
So, while it is mostly a “cosmetic change” to the WhatsApp privacy policy, if you are uncomfortable using it, you may want to consider the following:
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- There are alternative messaging apps, including Signal and Telegram, both of which have seen huge new user sign-ups since the announcement. I personally use Apple Messages (daily communications) and Signal (highly confidential communications).
- WhatsApp says it clearly labels conversations with businesses that use Facebook’s hosting services. Be on the lookout for those.
- The feature that allows your shopping activity to be used to display related ads on Facebook and Instagram is optional and when you use it, WhatsApp “will tell you in the app how your data is being shared with Facebook.” Monitor it and opt out.
- If you don’t want Facebook to target you with more ads based on your WhatsApp communication with businesses, just don’t use that feature.
- Trust the WhatsApp messaging app as much as you trust Facebook, because ultimately, they are the same company.
John Sileo is a cybersecurity expert, privacy advocate, award-winning author and media personality as seen on 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper and Fox & Friends. He keynotes conferences virtually and in person around the world. John is the CEO of The Sileo Group, a business think tank based in Colorado.
