WhatsApp starting to share data with Facebook – here’s how to opt out

When Facebook bought secure messaging app WhatsApp for $19B back in 2014, the company was careful to reassure users that its commitment to privacy would not be in any way compromised. WhatsApp has today updated its privacy policy to allow it to share both phone numbers and analytics data with Facebook.

By coordinating more with Facebook, we’ll be able to do things like track basic metrics about how often people use our services and better fight spam on WhatsApp. And by connecting your phone number with Facebook’s systems, Facebook can offer better friend suggestions and show you more relevant ads if you have an account with them.

While the change is a relatively small one, and the company stresses that your phone number will not be sold or shared with advertisers, some may still be unhappy with the move.

If you want to opt out of your data being shared with Facebook, there are two ways you can do it. First, by unchecking the box you’ll see just above the ‘Agree’ button when you are asked to agree to the revised terms. Second, by going into Settings > Account > Share my account info at any time in the 30 days after agreeing the terms.

The change comes a month after a security researcher found a message storage flaw in WhatsApp. On a more positive note, FreedomPop’s latest SIM offers unlimited WhatsApp usage completely free of charge.