This 2021 started with the controversial WhatsApp notice, in which it informs that there will supposedly be a change in its terms and conditions as of February 8. We say "supposedly" because due to all the commotion caused among users, and the migration of these to applications like Telegram, the messaging platform has decided to back down, and postpone a few months.
Much is said about the policy changes in WhatsApp, such as that messages will no longer be encrypted end-to-end and that WhatsApp together with the other Facebook companies will spy on both calls and messages from users; but how true is that?
Well, the truth is that it is very easy to distort the information and leave it a bit far from reality, so we present you a summary of the entire privacy policy of WhatsApp so that you are well informed, and what better, you will not have to spend an hour to read it all.
What information does WhatsApp collect?
There are two types, the one you provide and the one that is collected automatically.
You provide:
- Your account information: Your mobile phone number along with some basic information, including your profile name.
- Your connections: Loading contacts from your phone book and invitations to those who still do not use the service
- States: The usual load of your states.
- Payment and transaction data: Information such as the payment method, shipping details and the amount of the transaction.
End-to-end encryption continues, so your messages cannot be read by WhatsApp or third parties.
Automatically collected:
- Information about use and records: With whom you interact, how long, how often and how long; Calls you make, statuses, name of the groups where you are, if you are online and your last connection status.
- Information about the device and the connection: The hardware model, the operating system, the battery charge level, the application version, the browser.
- Location information: Precise location information of your device with your permission.
- Cookies: To remember the options you chose to personalize the services according to your interests.
How is third party information handled?
When you share messages with companies on WhatsApp, the new update includes new options such as enabling customer service, personalizing the ads you see on Facebook from those companies and improving your shopping experience.
In addition, the new update seeks greater transparency regarding the way in which your data is collected and used.
How is the information used?
The information that WhatsApp houses, it uses to operate and provide its services, connect them with the products of Facebook companies and thus provide you with the integration of these two platforms.
You use it to verify accounts and activities, combat harmful behavior, protect users from bad experiences and spam.
What is the information that you and WhatsApp share?
- Send your information to those you choose to communicate with: You share your information (including messages) while you use our Services and communicate through them.
- Information associated with your account: Your phone number, name and profile picture, information about you, your last connection and read receipts.
- Your contacts and others : Users, including companies, with whom you communicate can store or re-share your information with other people.
- Third-party services: Information about the content that you or others share with them, such as messages.
Can you manage and retain your information?
Yes! We explain in detail the power you have over the use of your account on WhatsApp:
- Services Configuration: You can manage your contacts, groups and broadcast lists, or use the blocking option.
- Change information about yourself: Your mobile phone number, name, profile picture and other information can be changed. If you change your mobile number, you must update it and transfer your account to the new mobile number.
- Delete your WhatsApp account: You can do it at any time, when you do it, the undelivered messages will be deleted from their servers.
While some may remain calm with this information, others will continue with discontent or concern, so WhatsApp must go out and clarify all the doubts and disagreements of its users before this monster of instant messaging falls.
When a product is FREE, the product is you.
We advise you to bear in mind that when you use a medium on the internet, you constantly expose yourself to the fact that all the information that is there is no longer private.
Sources:
- WhatsApp (2021) WhatsApp privacy policy, https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/updates/privacy-policy/?lang=en
- WhatsApp (2021) The deadline for our recent update will be extended, https://blog.whatsapp.com/giving-more-time-for-our-recent-update
- WhatsApp (2021) Information about new business features and Privacy Policy update, https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/security-and-privacy/about-new-business-features-and-whatsapps-privacy-policy-update