WhatsApp to share your phone number with Facebook. Here’s how you can prevent this

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The privacy policy of WhatsApp has undergone some change as of 25th August 2016. And here are 10 things that you must know.

1. WhatsApp has announced that it will start sharing your phone number with its parent company Facebook (Facebook acquired WhatsApp back in February 2014). This news comes to light after the company updated its privacy policy.

2. As stated by WhatsApp in its recent blog post, it is sharing your phone number with Facebook to “improve your Facebook ads and products experiences.” This doesn’t mean that you will start seeing advertisements on your WhatsApp app. But, you will start receiving more relevant ads on Facebook and get better friend suggestions.

3. The Privacy Policy also states “By coordinating more with Facebook, we’ll be able to do things like track basic metrics about how often people use our services and better fight spam on WhatsApp.” This could mean that data such as your mobile’s Operating System, mobile country code, carrier code, screen resolution, and device identifier will also be shared.

4. WhatsApp has stated that your number will be shared with the ‘Facebook family of companies’ – which most likely includes other Facebook acquired companies such as Instagram and VR firm Oculus Rift.

5. Now the big question – can you prevent WhatsApp from sharing your phone number with Facebook? Good news is, you can. WhatsApp is letting users opt out of this. Here’s how to go about it:

Option A
•If you are using the latest WhatsApp app, then you will receive the below notification anytime while you are using the app. Don’t tap on the ‘Agree’ button. Tap on “Read more about the key updates to our Terms and Privacy Policy” (fig 1).

WhatsApp_sharing_phone_number_2

Fig 1

• Uncheck the green box (fig 2).

WhatsApp_sharing_phone_number_with_facebook

Fig 2

• Unchecking means that you do not want WhatsApp to share your number and other data for Facebook ads and product-related purposes. Tap on ‘Agree‘ (fig 3).

WhatsApp_sharing_phone_number_privacy_policy

Fig 3

Option B
If you have already agreed to the new terms and conditions, you still have 30-days to reverse your decision.

Open WhatsApp > go to Settings > Account > Uncheck the box given against “Share my account info…”

Opt_out_whatsapp_privacy_policy

Note: If you do not see this option under Settings > Account, there’s no need to panic. It means that you haven’t updated to the latest version or you are yet to receive the notification about the new terms and conditions.

6. We need to understand that the above “opt-out” procedure is partial. This only prevents WhatsApp from sharing your data for Facebook ads and product-related purposes. However, your data will still be shared for other purposes which the company puts as “improving infrastructure and delivery systems, understanding how our services or theirs are used, securing systems, and fighting spam, abuse, or infringement activities”.

7. This data-sharing update does not affect your communication on WhatsApp (messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and calls) which continue to be encrypted. This means that they can only be viewed by you and the person you are sending them to.

8. Users who have agreed to the new terms and conditions still have 30-days to express their disagreement. Once this window expires, they won’t be able to opt out.

9. WhatsApp hasn’t provided a comprehensive list of the types of user data it intends to share with Facebook nor anything about how Facebook will be using this data.

10. WhatsApp will continue to be ad-free.

But what if you don’t have a Facebook account?
Your number will still be shared with Facebook even if you are not on the social networking website. But a WhatsApp spokesperson has stated that even if Facebook has your number, it is of use because you don’t have an account there. Your number will not be used to create an account on your behalf.

 

We will be keeping track of this development and update this post accordingly.

If you think this post is helpful, share it with your friends and peers.

 

Sources:
• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/08/25/whatsapps-new-privacy-policy-lets-it-share-your-phone-number-wit/
•https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/whatsapp-is-sharing-mobile-numbers-with-facebook-for-advertising-but-theres-a-partial-opt-out_uk_57bf1928e4b035d5604e9483
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/whatsapps-new-privacy-policy-top-10-things-to-know/articleshow/53871426.cms
• https://www.androidcentral.com/whatsapp-will-start-sharing-your-phone-number-facebook-you-can-opt-out
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/tech/no-opting-out-of-this-one-whatsapp-will-send-all-phone-numbers-to-facebook/story-Wiu7KYc9muNvMuNLVHRe3O.html

Rajiv Singha

Rajiv Singha

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  1. Avatar Anirban Dutta • August 27, 2016 at 9:40 AM

    Thank you QUICK HEAL. I have already agreed to the new terms and conditions by mistake but after reading this article now opt out of this using Option B. Thanks again.

    Reply
  2. Avatar Nitesh jaiswal • August 27, 2016 at 12:51 PM

    Thank you QUICK HEAL. I have already agreed to the new terms and conditions by mistake but after reading this article now opt out of this using Option B. Thanks again.

    Reply
  3. Avatar Hasta Gurung • August 27, 2016 at 2:35 PM

    thank you..

    Reply
  4. Avatar sumeet sharma • August 27, 2016 at 3:36 PM

    Thank You.

    Reply
  5. Avatar RAM • August 27, 2016 at 4:35 PM

    thanx to QH for alerting me because i have already accepted the terms but now i opt out after knowing it.

    Reply
  6. Avatar Bharat • August 27, 2016 at 7:53 PM

    Congratulations, Rajib Singha.
    Thanks.
    Dr Bharat Agrawal
    drbharat_agrawal@yahoo.co.in

    Reply
  7. Avatar manish yadav • August 27, 2016 at 8:44 PM

    THANK

    Reply
  8. Avatar MALAY KUMAR MONDAL • August 28, 2016 at 12:12 AM

    thank you . though i have deactivated my whats-app account yesterday. app is still in my phone.

    Reply
  9. Avatar Mirette • August 28, 2016 at 2:04 AM

    But this is not harmful right ? It only betters the Facebook ads and allows you to more relevant things and more people that you actually know .
    If it is somehow harmful please explain.
    Thank you

    Reply
  10. Avatar Alok Soni • August 28, 2016 at 2:06 AM

    Thank You Rajib Singha(Quick Heal Team)

    Reply
  11. Avatar mithlesh kumar • August 28, 2016 at 2:36 AM

    GOOD

    Reply
  12. Avatar BISHNUPADA KANDAR • August 28, 2016 at 5:55 AM

    Thank you QUICK HEAL.

    Reply
  13. Avatar shailesh kumar • August 28, 2016 at 6:01 AM

    THANKS SAIR

    Reply
  14. Avatar ashish kumar • August 28, 2016 at 6:28 AM

    THANK YOU

    Reply
  15. Avatar piyali banerjee • August 28, 2016 at 7:50 AM

    QUICK HEAL ANTIVIRUS IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD

    Reply
  16. Avatar debabrata mishra • August 28, 2016 at 8:02 AM

    GOOD

    Reply
  17. Avatar bikashkc097@gmail.com • August 28, 2016 at 9:14 AM

    I love it .

    Reply
  18. Avatar Roney • August 28, 2016 at 9:34 AM

    Thanx for the the useful update!

    Reply
  19. Avatar Sachin • August 28, 2016 at 11:10 AM

    cool, thanks

    Reply
  20. Avatar KOUSHIK GOSWAMI • August 28, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    Thanks Quick Heal and Rajib Singha for this wonderful piece of information.

    Reply
  21. Avatar L P Sharma • August 28, 2016 at 11:45 AM

    Thank, QUICK HEAL. I agreed to the new terms and conditions by mistake now i Uncheck the “share my account info” box

    Reply
  22. Avatar Vijay Bhate • August 28, 2016 at 1:57 PM

    Yes, I did agree to the policy and now after knowing from you I preferred to opt out from setting. Thank you Quick Heal and Rajib singha.

    Reply
  23. Avatar Lakshmy A • August 28, 2016 at 2:04 PM

    A very thorough and helpful blog and suggestion .

    Thank you

    Reply
  24. Avatar capt.aoj.pn@gmail.com • August 28, 2016 at 3:54 PM

    Commendable

    Reply
  25. Avatar capt.aoj.pn@gmail.com • August 28, 2016 at 4:02 PM

    Excellent Idea

    Reply
  26. Avatar Amit Orissa • August 28, 2016 at 4:35 PM

    very nice

    Reply
  27. Avatar Riddhiman Panti • August 28, 2016 at 6:16 PM

    why ? first windows 10 , now facebook and so many more companies . why do they intrude this much privacy ?

    Reply
  28. Avatar Natu Patel • August 28, 2016 at 6:26 PM

    Thank you QUICK HEAL. I have already agreed to the new terms and conditions by mistake but after reading this article now opt out of this using Option B. Thanks again.

    Reply
  29. Avatar Rad • August 28, 2016 at 6:49 PM

    Will Whatsapp share my account info even if I don’t posses a facebook account?

    Reply
    • Rajiv Singha Rajiv Singha • August 30, 2016 at 11:51 AM

      Hi Rad,

      Your number will still be shared with Facebook even if you are not on the social networking website. But a WhatsApp spokesperson has stated that even if Facebook has your number, it is of use because you don’t have an account there. Your number will not be used to create an account on your behalf.

      Regards,

      Reply
  30. Avatar sumitkalbande@rediffmail.com • August 28, 2016 at 7:18 PM

    Thank you.

    Reply
  31. Avatar Varghese Thomas • August 28, 2016 at 8:27 PM

    Thank you. I have read through your entire message and opted out of Whatsapp sharing my contact info. Really helpful. Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  32. Avatar Kulkarni Madhuri • August 28, 2016 at 8:45 PM

    Thank you very much Quick Heal for the article. I have already agreed to the new terms and conditions without reading them by mistake. But after reading this article now I uncheck the share my info. box with the help of Option B. Thanks again.

    Reply
  33. Avatar emo.sagar.01sawlani@gmsil.com • August 28, 2016 at 9:29 PM

    good

    Reply
  34. Avatar N • August 28, 2016 at 9:35 PM

    Thank you !
    After reading this post I went to ‘Account’ & found out that I had already accidentally agreed to sharing my number ! Good Heavens ! Day light piracy !!
    Now I have fixed that thanks to this update !
    Thank you !

    Reply
  35. Avatar DHARMVEER KUMAR SINGH • August 28, 2016 at 10:37 PM

    THANKS

    Reply
  36. Avatar nirav mistry • August 29, 2016 at 12:20 AM

    thnk u

    Reply
  37. Avatar mehtab.is.yours@gmai.com • August 29, 2016 at 8:02 AM

    MANY MANY THANKS… RAJIB SINGHA SIR

    Reply
  38. Avatar dinesh • August 29, 2016 at 8:19 AM

    please secure the system

    Reply
  39. Avatar bhagwat jaiswal • August 29, 2016 at 8:25 AM

    good

    Reply
  40. Avatar TUSHAR DOSHI • August 29, 2016 at 8:58 AM

    THANK YOU FOR UPDATING US.

    Reply
  41. Avatar Viral Dave • August 29, 2016 at 9:07 AM

    A Big Thanks to Quick Heal for sharing this information

    Reply
  42. Avatar jitendra Dolatrai Deai • August 29, 2016 at 9:38 AM

    I am not holding FACE BOOK account.

    Reply
  43. Avatar Manmohan • August 29, 2016 at 11:46 AM

    Fig 1 says ” to continue using WhatsApp it is imperative to agree to the terms and conditions by 25 September 2016″.

    Does it mean; if one doesn’t agree, WhatsApp service will be discontinued on that persons mobile?

    Reply
    • Rajiv Singha Rajiv Singha • August 30, 2016 at 11:40 AM

      Hi Manmohan,

      To use any software or hardware, the user has to agree to the Terms and Conditions laid out by the publisher. And this applies to WhatsApp as well.

      Regards,

      Reply
  44. Avatar madan jha • August 29, 2016 at 12:31 PM

    good

    Reply
  45. Avatar Dehinbo Olusoji • August 29, 2016 at 1:40 PM

    Good man

    Reply
  46. Avatar nilukumar212@gmail.com • August 29, 2016 at 2:33 PM

    SIR PLEASE SUPPORT QUICK HEAL

    Reply
  47. Avatar John Antony • August 29, 2016 at 3:18 PM

    I use Samsung GT-S 7562 S Duos phone with Android 4.0.4 Ice cream Sandwich and use Whatsapp. I may have clicked Agree by mistake. My problem is : When I go to Whatsapp > Settings > Account , in the Account menu it does not have the “Share my account info” option (It only has Privacy,Security,Change number and Delete my account options). How do I choose Option B to opt out of the new Whatsapp privacy policy ? Is my whatsapp outdated or my mobile not supporting Whatsapp update ? Pls guide.

    Reply
  48. Avatar Ankur • August 29, 2016 at 4:35 PM

    Very good information. Thank you Quick Heal and Rajib

    Reply
  49. Avatar K ISHWAR • August 29, 2016 at 10:06 PM

    too good

    Reply
  50. Avatar Somdeb Majumder • August 29, 2016 at 10:25 PM

    Thank you Rajib for this post. I have checked with the update and done what you suggest.

    That’s why I love Quick Heal.

    Reply
  51. Avatar TP • August 29, 2016 at 10:28 PM

    Thanks for the information.
    You are doing a great service to the masses.
    Please keep up the good work.
    Regards.
    God be with you.

    Reply
  52. Avatar pradipkumardutta866@gmail.com • August 29, 2016 at 10:28 PM

    I will want whatsApp

    Reply
  53. Avatar SandeepSinghAliya86@gmail.com • August 30, 2016 at 8:58 AM

    i want whats app donload but i am regular try but but i am not sure/successful that means how are come to the whats app download…..

    Reply
  54. Avatar PRADEEP S. NAIK • August 30, 2016 at 9:01 AM

    Hello Sir,
    I am using QUICK HEAL my PC. when I start the computer my language programmer is not working or showing (Shri Lipi 5.1 32 bit) just like a handicap so i cant any work or cant do any language job so please what can i do and give best suggestion. Please…..
    Thank You

    Reply
  55. Avatar Mohammed Yakub • August 30, 2016 at 10:34 AM

    Thank you Rajib and Quick Heal.

    Reply
  56. Avatar ghanshyam • August 30, 2016 at 2:19 PM

    good security

    Reply
  58. Avatar SANTI RANJAN • August 30, 2016 at 5:10 PM

    THANKS QH

    Reply
  59. Avatar Saroj Kumar • August 31, 2016 at 12:30 AM

    It’s really good aap

    Reply
  60. Avatar Raman raj • August 31, 2016 at 12:39 AM

    Nice

    Reply
  61. Avatar handalf • August 31, 2016 at 3:22 AM

    Is there any way to opt out of sharing info with facebook on a new install of whatsapp? I opted out, but then my phone crashed and when I tried to reinstall whatsapp there is no longer an option to opt out. Does this mean I have no choice now? This is such a betrayal. I do not want Facebook to store metadata about my relationships and who I associate with.

    Reply
  62. Avatar Krishna Dev K • August 31, 2016 at 10:07 AM

    Thanks Quick Heal

    Reply
  63. Avatar sonot kr. • August 31, 2016 at 10:49 AM

    work to very well

    Reply
  64. Avatar Gaurav barot • August 31, 2016 at 11:32 AM

    I agree

    Reply
  65. Avatar Immaculate Nakasita • August 31, 2016 at 12:45 PM

    Thanks to you QUICK HEAL i just opted out too

    Reply
  66. Avatar jitendra • August 31, 2016 at 1:26 PM

    thank quickheal

    Reply
  67. Avatar Amitava Mukherjee • August 31, 2016 at 4:59 PM

    Good

    Reply
  68. Avatar SHAMIK BHATTACHARYYA • August 31, 2016 at 10:02 PM

    QUICK HEAL ANTI VIRUS IS EXTREMLY VERY SECURING ANTIVIRUS FOR ANY TIPE OF PC/LAPTOP/MOBILE/ANY GADGETS.

    Reply
  70. Avatar kavirajan • August 31, 2016 at 11:22 PM

    GOOD ONE

    Reply
  71. Avatar argha bhattacharjee • September 1, 2016 at 6:10 AM

    thank you

    Reply
  72. Avatar Pappu Kumar • September 1, 2016 at 6:43 PM

    I was already unchecked the sharing option, but even thanks for providing detailed information.

    Reply
  73. Avatar Syed Abdul Hasim • September 1, 2016 at 9:13 PM

    Thank you Rajib Singha I like quick heal health and soul of my phone is important that you are great God bless you.

    Reply
  74. Avatar rajesh • September 2, 2016 at 7:53 AM

    Thanks for the update

    Reply
  75. Avatar Ranjan • September 2, 2016 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks for information. I have done it.

    Reply
  76. Avatar Muzammil Kazi • September 2, 2016 at 8:39 AM

    Thank You.

    Reply
  77. Avatar MALLESH • September 2, 2016 at 5:00 PM

    Thanks

    Reply
  78. Avatar Neerendra dubey • September 2, 2016 at 7:36 PM

    Thank you qiick heal its very very important for me and family ,lots thanks again .

    Reply
  79. Avatar gopal das • September 2, 2016 at 11:37 PM

    Thank you…Quicj heal.

    Reply
  80. Avatar micellcwsbct@gmail.com • September 3, 2016 at 5:46 PM

    our data base quick heal show 31/12/1969 so not update & not secure
    solved the problem

    Reply
  81. Avatar Ashok Suthar • September 10, 2016 at 10:57 PM

    Good morning

    Reply
  82. Avatar SANTANU DUTTA • September 11, 2016 at 9:49 PM

    This is very nice idea, which may may be spreaded to facebook regularly . So that all become aware of that. I do not use Whats App in my PC.The application to download the offer came but i totally turned down.Thank you for the valuable hints.

    Reply
  83. Avatar Md Shahzad Alam • November 1, 2016 at 6:52 AM

    Thanks Quick Heal

    Reply

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