The New WhatsApp Privacy Policy and Type of Data it Collects

WhatsApp | Source: Pexels

Let's talk about the new privacy policy of WhatsApp in this post. Yesterday When I opened WhatsApp, a notification popped up regarding WhatsApp's updated privacy policy with apparently two options: one being to 'Agree' and another one which says 'Not Now'. Even if don't agree to this now, we'll have to agree to the new privacy policies on or before 8th of February 2021 in order to keep using the WhatsApp Services. Another alternative is to switch to other secure or privacy focused messaging platforms.


Date of WhatsApp Privacy Policy Modification \| Source: WhatsApp

The new updated policies are going to roll out globally except European region as they have tighter privacy legislation in their region.

Let's discuss the new privacy policy related issues.

What type of data will be collected by WhatsApp?

Since the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook, it was almost evident that WhatsApp too can become a platform for privacy concerns. Though it might not be a concern which could cause a situation of chaos but the fact that there are users who may not want to disclose their privacy to such a platform cannot be neglected. The sole purpose of an instant messaging service (IMS) like WhatsApp is to ease the way we communicate. The communication was still pretty smooth without any confidential data being collected by WhatsApp.

Anyway, here is a list of type of data which will be collected by WhatsApp under new Privacy Policy:

The Device Model of the user
Operating System of the device
Phone's Battery Status
Device's signal strength
User's Time Zone
User's IP address and location data
WhatsApp Usage
Payments and Transactions (Through WhatsApp app)
Group Details of the user (group display picture, etc)
Profile Picture of the User
About Info
Hardware info which may also include IMEI, Mobile operator or ISP details

Data WhatsApp Collects | Source: TechVyuh

What kind of data will be shared with Facebook?

WhatsApp, when it was acquired by Facebook in 2014, promised to assure that the individual's privacy is respected to the best. But now, the scenario seems to be changed and Facebook owned WhatsApp will share collected data to its parent company, Facebook Inc.

While data collected by WhatsApp is not limited to be shared by Facebook service only, the other brands of Facebook such as Instagram and Messenger also can receive the collected data as it is clearly mentioned in the popped message and privacy policy. In other word, every product under the Facebook Company Products are liable for using collected data.

Here are some kind of data which will be shared with the Facebook Company Products.

If some sort of product links shared
Any data useful for personalized ads
Basically everything what WhatsApp Collects
Any data to build better cross-platform experience
Any data which helps businesses communicate better and build better with the consumer

The new Policy mentions that the data collected will be used to show relevant ads and show better recommendation.

Facebook's role in using WhatsApp's collected data

Which data is shared with business accounts on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp's new policy also states about the data which may be shared with business accounts in WhatsApp. Data shared with WhatsApp business account user maybe used by businesses in order to provide better services to the user. Business can use your information to remind you about upcoming travel information and/or about the product delivery for the purchase, etc.

Business Interaction with WhatsApp

Facebook's stand on doing so?

Facebook says that the type of data collected will depend on the way the services are being used by users. Such as mobile number, which is necessary for account registration and to identify a person as a user. Further, data shared with Facebook may be used in the way that it is :

helping the infrastructure and delivery systems to improve
Promoting safety, security and integrity across Facebook Company Products
Improving their services and user's experience using them, etc

What are the issues?

The concern for privacy

This can be a real concern for people who use their device for confidential purpose such as heavy transaction on daily basis(e.g. shopkeepers, travellers, etc) and they use WhatsApp for payments, to those who live somewhere at secure remote location or anything which user does not want to reveal but according to the new privacy policy, WhatsApp may also collect the location data.

Third party banner ads

Though WhatsApp still does not allow third party banners for ads, it seems WhatsApp is trying to clear the path to third party banner ads by including another sentence to the privacy policy in No Third-Party Banner Ads section which indicates that third party banner maybe included possibly somewhere in future. Ads are sometimes the main source of revenue for freely available services, but this can also be annoying to the users sometimes.

Third-Party Banner Ads Policy

What if we delete the account?

The new policy highlights that to delete the user's data from the server, the user has to use the in-app feature 'delete my account' in WhatsApp Setting to delete the user's information. Uninstalling just the app won't help. Obviously, uninstalling apps just deletes the local copy of the app and information stored locally on the device.

Note: Even after deleting the account, some information such as information related to groups created by you is stored and messages you sent in group etc are still stored.

What you can do?

You can either delete the account and uninstall the app or you have to accept the new policy in order to use it. Alternatively, you can use some other messaging platform which focuses more on privacy, if privacy is a concern for you.

Read the new Privacy Policy here : WhatsApp Privacy Policy

Top Alternatives for WhatsApp

Conclusion (TL;DR)

New WhatsApp privacy policy focuses on data being collected by WhatsApp and type of data which will be shared with Facebook company products (Facebook, Instagram etc). Data collected includes your device model, OS, battery status, IP address, signal strength, Time Zone, WhatsApp usage, profile picture, group info and even your About Info and IMEI etc. Though data collected by services help to provide users more comfortable user experience and provide better integrity across Facebook products. Integration of Rooms in WhatsApp is an example of how things can get integrated together and provide better user experience. While this can be not a cause for concern for the public as they have to connect to their peers and communicate only but for people who use such services excessively and have any confidential information which they do not want to share, it can be a point where they need to make a decision.

What do you think about the new privacy policy? Is it something that concerns you or you are going to agree to the new policy? Do share your views in the comment below.