How to protect your private data from WhatsApp
Facebook's move to harvest the data of WhatsApp users has angered some of its billion users.
The social media giant owns WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging service, but has left it to mostly operate independently since purchasing the company two years ago.
Until now.
WhatsApp announced that it would start sending phone numbers and analytics data to Facebook. This is Facebook's first real attempt to make money from the company. The data will be used to better target ads at Facebook users, and suggest Facebook friends as new contacts on WhatsApp.
"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," the company wrote.
Facebook have not yet shared the full list of data they will harvest.
This contrasts strongly with what co-founder Jan Koum wrote about WhatsApp and privacy when Facebook purchased the company in 2014.
"We don't know your birthday. We don't know your home address. We don't know where you work. We don't know your likes, what you search for on the internet or collect your GPS location. None of that data has ever been collected and stored by WhatsApp, and we really have no plans to change that."
Existing users can opt out within the next 30 days (see below for instructions.)
The backlash was immediate.
"Tech companies are steadily teaching the public not to believe the promises they make," wrote Mike Dudas, co-founder of Button.
Telegram, a rival messaging app known for its focus on security (Isis militants use it), quickly made use of the backlash, promising to never share user's data with third parties.
"Unlike other services, when we say we don't share your data with third parties, we mean it," the company tweeted.
But angry privacy advocates are doing more than just writing tweets: some are filing legal complaints.
The Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) filed a complaint when Facebook bought the company in 2014, and as a result the US Federal Trade Commission warned the companies that they must keep their privacy promises intact. Facebook is required to obtain user's consent before changing any settings that affect the privacy of their information.
It is unclear whether this constitutes a clear violation of those promises - but EPIC are definitely filing a complaint.
"WhatsApp obtained one billion users by promising that it would protect user privacy. Both Facebook and WhatsApp made very public promises that the companies would maintain a separation. Those were the key selling points of the deal," EPIC lawyer Claire Gartland told Motherboard.
"WhatsApp users should be shocked and upset."
So how do I opt out?
For the first 30 days WhatsApp users are able to opt out of the data sharing.
In the first instance: they should see an unfamiliar screen when they open the app after an update, asking them to agree to new terms of service.
There is no obvious button for "disagree". Instead, users should tap "Read more about the key updates to our Terms and Privacy Policy." near the bottom of their screen. This will bring up a screen with the key updates to the policy - and a way to opt out.
It will look like this on Android. Users on iOS will see a toggle box instead of a checkmark. Uncheck or untoggle the box, then press "Agree". The software will then ask you if you're sure - tap "don't share".
If you missed all this on your first login and still want to opt out, you can.
Just go to the settings menu, then the account menu, then find the checkbox (or switch) marked "Share my account info". Untick it.
Do you use Facebook on your mobile or WhatsApp? Are you concerned about your privacy? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Written by Henry Cooke. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
Related links:
8 tips to help you master Facebook Messenger
The WhatsApp scam you need to know about
5 tips for making affordable calls overseas