WhatsApp is making it compulsory to share your data with Facebook!

WhatsApp is making it compulsory to share your data with Facebook

WhatsApp users received a message today stating WhatsApp can share user data with Facebook, whenever users message businesses that use Facebook through the app.

Users received the in-app notice, which said that WhatsApp has changed its terms of service and privacy policy. In the notice is a brief overview of the changes, the first of which is how WhatsApp processes user data (as well as an explanation of how WhatsApp will more deeply integrate with Facebook in the future).

Due to take effect in a month’s time, on February 8, the changes are compulsory – you won’t be able to use the app if you decide to reject the update.

These changes appear to be a development of WhatsApp privacy policy changes announced in July last year, but with the addition of user account information being shared with Facebook when users interact with businesses.

The user data that could be shared with Facebook includes WhatsApp account registration, phone numbers, transaction data, service-related information, interaction information, mobile device information, IP address, and ‘other information identified… or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent.’

Facebook’s reasons for requiring the data aren’t entirely clear, but Facebook claims it is for ‘understanding how our services or [WhatsApp’s] are used’, ‘improving their services’, ‘making suggestions for you’, ‘personalizing features and content’ and ‘showing relevant offers and ads across the Facebook Company Products.’