WhatsApp's privacy changes: What can you do?
Update your WhatsApp these days and you will be greeted with new privacy terms.
It is common for apps to feature updates to their terms of service, so most of us may quickly tap the "Agree" button (and continue using the app to reply to that crush you've had for the past two years).
But hidden within these new conditions is an agreement for you to share some of your WhatsApp details with its parent company Facebook.
What does the agreement entail?
Your information can be shared to Facebook and its associated companies, along with marketers. It is not clear what information will be sent, but that could include your contact information or your contacts.
"Messages you may receive containing marketing could include an offer for something that might interest you," writes the WhatsApp blog post highlighting the new update.
"For example, you may receive flight status information for upcoming travel, a receipt for something you purchased, or a notification when a delivery will be made."
WhatsApp has said it could use your information to improve your Facebook friends' suggestions.
WhatsApp promises that the messages we send and receive are still private, and cannot be read by Facebook.
That said, it can be really scary to know that marketers can receive your contact number through Whatsapp.
I don't want to share my details to businesses. What can I do?
Thankfully, you can opt out of this process, though it may not be so obvious.
When you see the agreement, instead of tapping on the "Agree" button, you can click the "read more" option at the bottom of the screen.
Then, untick the line which says "share my WhatsApp account information with Facebook".
And, you're done!
I tapped on the "Agree" button without knowing. What can I do?
WhatsApp gives users a 30-day period for them to opt out of the agreement.
For Android phone users, tap the three vertical dots on the upper-right corner of the screen to bring up the WhatsApp menu, and then, tap "Settings".
In the Settings menu, tap on "Account".
There, uncheck the line which says, "Share my account info".
You will be prompted to confirm this choice. Tap "Don't share".
A confirmation message which reads "Your account info won't be used to improve your Facebook ads and product experiences" will appear on your screen.
For iPhone users, tap the "Settings" button on the bottom-right of your screen.
In the Settings menu, tap on "Account".
There, uncheck the line which says, "Share my account info".
You will be prompted to confirm this choice. Tap "Don't share".
And, you're done!
What else does this agreement entail?
Even though you have unchecked the box, not all of your information is protected.
A post on the WhatsApp blog reads: "The Facebook family of companies will still receive and use this information for other purposes such as improving infrastructure and delivery systems, understanding how our services or theirs are used, securing systems, and fighting spam, abuse, or infringement activities."
There are no options to completely prevent the sharing of such information.
As the Personal Data Protection Act requires businesses to identify the use of such information, the Personal Data Protection Commission is currently seeking clarification from WhatsApp and Facebook on what the recent changes entail, The Straits Times reported on Tuesday (Aug 30).
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