Understanding WhatsApp’s Data-Sharing

Understanding WhatsApp’s Data-Sharing The most popular applications that Facebook owns Facebook app (created in 2004): the most downloaded app between 2010 and 2020. Facebook Messenger (became a standalone app in 2011): the second most popular messaging app in the world as of the end of 2020 (Statista), WhatsApp (acquired in 2014): ranked as the No.1 messaging app by worldwide downloads, Instagram (purchased in 2012). Apps owned by Facebook - Facebook app* - Facebook Messenger* - WhatsApp - Instagram* - Oculus VR - Masquerade (MSQRD) - Whale - GIPHY* *These apps are linked to WhatsApp. Avoid using any Facebook-owned apps or be extremely careful about what you share on these apps. What WhatsApp can and can’t do with your data - Hand out data such as phone numbers, IP addresses, mobile device information, and payments with Facebook and other Facebook-owned platforms if using WhatsApp Business. ✓ - Share information on how people interact with others (including businesses). ✓ - Give out chats of businesses to Facebook, if they use Facebook’s hosting technology to manage those chats in order to target them with ads on Facebook. ✓ - See private messages sent to family and friends or hear calls and share them with Facebook. ✗ - Keep history of who people message or call. ✗ - Share your contacts with Facebook or other Facebook-owned platforms without your consent. ✗ What you can do to keep your private data protected - Don’t back up your chats and data. - Don't allow WhatsApp to access your gallery or location. - Keep two-factor authentication on. - Switch to another safer application. Remember, your privacy comes first. So be very careful while using any Facebook owned applications and limit the amount of personal information you share.