WhatsApp Will Delete Your Account If You Don’t Share Data with Facebook

WhatsApp is warning users about changes to its messaging platform’s privacy policy. The main updates involve the sharing of user data and tighter integration between the tech giant’s products: WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger.

According to information released by WhatsApp representatives, the new policy terms will take effect on February 8, 2021. Users who are particularly concerned about privacy may not be pleased with certain aspects of the new policy.

Specifically, WhatsApp will be able to share a greater amount of user data with other Facebook projects. This includes information provided during account registration, phone numbers, transaction details, interactions with the platform, mobile device data, IP addresses, and more.

What do corporations usually say when they want to collect more of your data? That’s right—they claim it’s to improve the user experience and provide better services. This time, Facebook is no exception, stating that it simply wants to ensure closer integration between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, as well as to offer users a more consistent experience.

And here’s the most important part: accounts of users who do not agree to the new WhatsApp terms will be deactivated by the messaging service itself. So much for freedom of choice.