WhatsApp is Sharing User Information with Facebook
 |
| TechCrunch |
If you don't want Facebook to have your phone number then you'd better uninstall WhatsApp now. However, if you don't mind them having some information, provided they don't use it to target you with ads, then you can do a partial opt out either by clicking to read the full terms and conditions and skipping to the bottom of the page to uncheck the box there. If you've already ticked that box and you wish you hadn't then you have 30 days from when you agreed to opt out. To opt out later then you need to go into your settings then into account. You should see an option saying share my account info and you purely have to uncheck that box and you've opted out. Unfortunately, Facebook will still be able to access your number as well as when you last signed into WhatsApp, but it means they can't use your information to improve the ad experience among other things.
A lot of people are upset by this and though some people will say you should have expected it, that doesn't make it any less frustrating. WhatsApp is great because you know your messages are private and because of that, you kind of expect everything to be private. For WhatsApp to turn around and say, actually, we're going to share your information with Facebook is like a slap in the face. If you do like WhatsApp though, this shouldn't stop you from using it. A partial opt-out is better than nothing if it makes you feel uncomfortable and it's still one of the best apps out there for message encryption.
When it comes down to it, the most important part of your privacy on WhatsApp is still encrypted. It seems unlikely that Facebook would expect to read your messages because they know they'd lose a lot of users. This means that it's probably okay to keep using WhatsApp for now. If this breach of privacy is too huge then it's likely someone will get involved soon enough to try and stop this.
Rosina is a Songbird writer with a degree in Creative Writing. She's trying to focus on her novel on the side but is glad to be playing around with apps and writing about them in the mean time! Follow her @Songbird_Rosina
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
WhatsApp is Sharing User Information with Facebook
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.