Yesterday we reported that WhatsApp will be sharing your phone number with Facebook. This was an alarming situation for those of us who value our privacy.
The Effect of Whatsapp-Facebook Data Sharing on You
Facebook will be able to match you with your friends that you have exchanged phone numbers with but not yet added in your friends at Facebook. This was also done to give businesses the option to contact you directly. Examples include banks, which can alert you if they detect fraudulent activity. Airlines can also alert you about your flight being delayed, etc.
There is also a downside to this as you will be receiving advertisements on WhatsApp. The service had remained ad-free ever since it was launched which is part of the reason why people are readily using it. If it indeed does start advertising on the app, it won’t be taken kindly by the users.
Also Read: Get Ready for SPAM: Whatsapp to Give User Data to Businesses
However there is a workaround to avoid this situation altogether if you don’t want anything to do with these “new and improved” features. There are two ways to stop Facebook from getting your information via WhatsApp.
How to Opt Out of Whatsapp-Facebook Data Sharing
If you update Whatsapp recently and turn it on next time, you’ll receive the updated terms and conditions message:
Tap on “Read” then scroll down through the terms and conditions page.
You need to uncheck the part that says “Share my WhatsApp account information with Facebook to improve my Facebook ads and products experiences”. This can let you opt out of the Whatsapp-Facebook data sharing situation.
Although it says that chats and other info won’t be shared with Facebook, its only a matter of time before they update their terms and conditions again to openly do that too.
What if I’ve Already Agreed to the New Terms and Conditions?
If you have, however, already accepted the terms and conditions earlier, this second method is for you.
Tap the three white dots on the top right inside the app and head to settings. Tap on Account and uncheck “Share my account info”.
There is a limit to this as well, users who have accepted the terms and conditions have the option to opt-out of the info sharing, but they can only do so within 30 days of accepting the new terms and conditions.
Image Credits: Motherboard
Its time to leave WhatsApp not earth :D :D LOL :P
There writer does not seem a security expert, Do you thing what you see works like the same, And these apps work with your permission… Once they in they can do what they want…!!
True. But stealing your data without your consent is a class action lawsuit
That needs An evidence which is hard to collect and justify…!! And all action lawsuit works against powerless not against powerful..,,
DarkTech is Absolutely right
patwari logic……..agar yeh whatapp facebook ko data share ker lia ha tu Imran khan na khya ker lia …..
if you on net.. you are being checked by each and every single character you type. And you feel so insecure. This is actually a copied system from HEREAFTER. when each and every word we speak, we see, we do will brought up in front of us.
if you are using “Smart” phone.. you are being checked.. regarless you are using facebook whatsapp or whatever.
Here is screen shot
Please agree terms and conditions to continue whatsapp
i already unchecked when this popup appears this morning
Its time for Google Allo and Duo
yes it will help Google to show more relevant advertisement :P
shift to telegram .
Telegram is best messaging app and most secure. Everyone shud start using this app instead of Whatsapp.
will this stop the horsecrap ads that watsapp are bringing in !?