How to stop WhatsApp data sharing with Facebook

WhatsApp, the messaging client used by more than 1 billion people, just announced it will start sharing some user data with Facebook, which acquired it in 2014. WhatsApp says the changes are being made to make users more vulnerable to targeting. Removing ads helps businesses fight fraud and spam. Fighting abuse and spam is very important, but most users are never “okay” with WhatsApp sharing their information with Facebook.

Although there is no way to completely avoid this data sharing between WhatsApp and Facebook, there are ways to partially opt out of this data sharing policy. Please note that this is only a partial opt-out and there is no way to completely opt-out. A partial opt-out only prohibits Facebook ad targeting. The only way to completely opt out is to stop using WhatsApp altogether, but this isn’t an option for everyone. This article explains how to (partially) opt out of having your data shared between WhatsApp and Facebook.

Opting out of WhatsApp data sharing: T&C page

When you open WhatsApp, you’ll see a prompt to “Agree” to the updated Terms of Service. This is a page that usually no one reads unless they’re really paranoid. However, to prevent WhatsApp from sharing some of your data with Facebook, you need to do the following:

• When you see a screen to agree to the updated Terms of Use, instead of simply tapping “Agree,” tap the disclosure arrow at the bottom right of the screen.

• A checkbox with text appears at the bottom of the screen. If you want to opt out of data sharing, uncheck this box and tap Agree.

Note : WhatsApp says “Regardless of this setting, your chats and phone number will not be shared with Facebook,” which means that your chats and phone number may be shared with Facebook. could mean. The wording of the text can make a big difference in legal matters. Also, prompts are rolling out to everyone gradually, so you should see it sooner or later.

Opt out of WhatsApp data sharing: second method

I wouldn’t judge you if you panicked when you received an update and tapped “Agree” the moment the terms of service page appeared. That’s what most people do anyway. However, there is no need to worry. There are still ways to opt out of WhatsApp’s data sharing policy.

Note : The option to opt out using this method is only available for 30 days after you first accept the updated Terms of Use.

• In WhatsApp, tap the three-dot menu button to display the overflow menu, then tap Settings.

• Tap Account. You can uncheck the ” Share account information ” checkbox in your account settings.

See also: 6 Best Whatsapp Alternatives

Opt out of WhatsApp’s data sharing policy: Be security and privacy conscious

If there’s one thing we can learn from this sudden change in WhatsApp’s policies, it’s that in this day and age, you can never control the data you share with third parties. Some sayings include: “If it’s free, it’s not a product. This is especially true for services like WhatsApp, which may allow companies to contact users in the future. Actually, I’m not against advertising per se. But allowing businesses to send messages to consumers is something I hated with text messages and will probably hate with WhatsApp as well to communicate and connect with friends and family. There is absolutely no reason why you should receive ads on the platforms you use.

As always, we welcome your feedback on this fundamental change to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. Also, if you have anything else you would like to add to our thoughts on WhatsApp, Facebook, and data sharing policies in general, feel free to write in the comments section below.