WhatsApp has come up with an updated privacy policy that allows it to share your Phone number and other data with Facebook. In case this bothers you, you can still stop WhatsApp from sharing your Phone Number with Facebook, even if you have agreed to its revised privacy policy.
WhatApp Updated Privacy Policy
Trusted by more than a Billion Worldwide users, WhatsApp is by far the most popular messaging app in the World.
While the mass popularity of WhatsApp is mostly due to its affordability, ease of use and features, its perceived commitment to protecting the privacy of users was an added bonus that WhatsApp users had come to relay upon.
All this is changing now, as WhatsApp has come up with a major shift in its privacy policy that allows it to Share your Phone Number and other account data with Facebook.
According to WhatsApp, the data sharing with Facebook is intended to improve your user experience on Facebook and to serve you with relevant ads.
…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 – WhatsApp
As mentioned above, you can still stop WhatsApp from sharing your Phone number with Facebook, a hugely popular Social Media service, but not trusted by everyone as far as privacy is concerned.
Stop WhatsApp From Sharing Your Phone Number With Facebook On iPhone
Follow the steps below to Stop WhatsApp from sharing your phone number with Facebook on iPhone.
1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone or iPad
2. Next, tap on Settings option, located at the bottom right corner of your screen.
3. On the Settings Screen, tap on Account
4. On the next screen, disable the option for Share My Account Info by moving the toggle to OFF position (See image below)
5. Next, you will see a popup, tap on Don’t Share.
This will prevent WhatsApp from sharing your Phone number with Facebook.
Stop WhatsApp From Sharing Your Phone Number With Facebook On Android Phone
Follow the steps below to Stop WhatsApp from sharing your phone number with Facebook on your Android Phone.
1. Open WhatsApp on your Android Phone or Tablet
2. Next, tap on the 3 dots Menu icon located at the top right corner of your screen (See image below).
3. From the dropdown, tap on Settings.
4. Next, tap on Account.
5. On the Account screen, uncheck the option for Share My Account Info.
6. Next, you will see a popup, tap on Don’t Share.
This will prevent WhatsApp from sharing your Phone number with Facebook.
Thirty Day Window to Opt Out
Going by media reports, the option to opt out of sharing your Phone number with Facebook is limited to 30 days only.
After this period, the option to opt out of sharing your Phone number with Facebook could expire and you will be left with two options
1. Continue Using WhatsApp, knowing that your Phone number and other data is likely to be shared with Facebook.
2. Stop using WhatsApp and move to Google Hangouts which is another awesome service that allows you to make Free calls.
It will be interesting to see how users respond to this major shift in WhatsApp privacy policy.