WhatsApp’s privacy settings are changing, and not for the better. As of today, the phone numbers of WhatsApp users will be shared with parent company Facebook. This will allow Facebook to run analytics on user activity and send you friend requests for people you talk to in WhatsApp. And of course, it will allow Facebook to serve targeted ads to WhatsApp users.
Thankfully, there is a way to opt out of this. But WhatsApp’s opt-out period is only 30 days long, so if you don’t want your phone number shared with Facebook, opt out now before the window closes.
WhatsApp keeps the policy change somewhat hidden, but there are two options. Both are outlined in the FAQ, and both of them will work inside the Android and iOS apps.
Option 1: Read the Terms and Conditions
When you update to the newest version of WhatsApp, you’ll see a new set of terms and conditions. Once the app is done updating, the first screen in the process will come up. Don’t tap “Agree” just yet! Scroll all the way down and uncheck the box that will share your WhatsApp info with Facebook.
Option 2: In Your Settings
If you’ve already updated to the latest version and just breezed through the setup, go into your WhatsApp settings. Tap “Account.” Here, you’ll find a new option for “Share my account info” and a brief description of what checking the box means. Just uncheck that box and you are done.
Take that advertisers and Facebook! New app, who dis?