Millions of WhatsApp users have taken the drastic step of abandoning the app ahead of a privacy policy update that will force them to share their data with Facebook.
The update, which will be released on February 8, affects WhatsApp users in all countries outside of Europe and the UK, where there are strict data protection laws.
Users in these regions will be required to give their consent for Facebook to access their data, including their phone numbers and information about how they interact with others, in order to continue using the app.
The requirement will apply regardless of whether or not the WhatsApp user has a Facebook account.
The news has led many people to jump ship to rival apps, according to data from Sensor Tower.
When the privacy policy changes were announced on January 7, Telegram picked up nearly 1.7 million downloads and Signal gained 1.2 million downloads, while WhatsApp, which usually dominates, gained just 1.3 million downloads.
WhatsApp installations also fell approximately 13 per cent to 10.3 million downloads in the first seven days of January, compared to the seven days prior.
WhatsApp users have been left reeling by the latest change, which means they could lose access to their account unless they agree to share data with Facebook
WhatsApp first alerted users to the new privacy policy changes in a notification last week.
The privacy policy explains: ‘As part of the Facebook Companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, the other Facebook Companies.
‘We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customise, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products.’
Essentially, this means Facebook will now be able to access account information including your phone number, information on how you interact with other users, and logs of how often and how long you use WhatsApp.
Other data that could be shared with Facebook includes your IP address, browser details, language and time zone.
WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in 2014, and has shared data with its parent company since 2016.
However, users have previously been able to opt out of sharing their personal data with Facebook – now it will be compulsory if they want to continue using the app outside of Europe.
Many angry WhatsApp users have taken to Twitter to announce their departure from the app, in light of the new privacy policy.
One said: ‘I’ve just deleted Whats App and Instagram from my phone because their new terms and conditions freak me out.’
Another wrote: ‘I deleted my WhatsApp last week. I definitely lost some contacts, and that sucks, but I’ve come to see FB as a criminal enterprise; I can’t afford to give them access to my data.’
And one added: ‘Deleted my WhatsApp today. I’ve been using Signal for a while and think it’s brilliant. hope y’all will join me over there!’
One user said that he had deleted WhatsApp after coming to see Facebook as a ‘criminal enterprise’
Many frustrated WhatsApp users have taken to Twitter to announce their departure from the app
The change to WhatsApp’s privacy policy has put many users off using the popular messaging app
According to App Annie, WhatsApp’s ranking in both the UK and US has fallen following the news.
In the US, WhatsApp is now ranked number 38 in the download charts, while it is number 10 in the UK – significantly lower than normal.
In contrast, both Telegram and Signal have risen up the ranks, and are now numbers 13 and one in the UK download charts, respectively.
Jake Moore, Cybersecurity Specialist at ESET said it was no surprise that many users were deleting WhatsApp following the privacy policy update.
‘Being told that the app is unavailable unless you agree may not always be the best way as people then feel forced to giving away their data,’ he said.
‘We may even see people move away from these apps to more privacy-focused apps which more delicately protect our data.
‘It is incredibly important that users do all they can to protect their private information, and they must realise how damaging it can be if it gets into the wrong hands.’
If you use WhatsApp you should have received a notification last week, explaining the changes
WhatsApp has confirmed that users in the UK and Europe will not have their data shared with Facebook.
Speaking to MailOnline, a WhatsApp spokesperson said: ‘There are no changes to WhatsApp’s data sharing practices in the European region (including UK) arising from the updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
‘For the avoidance of any doubt, it is still the case that WhatsApp does not share European region WhatsApp user data with Facebook for the purpose of Facebook using this data to improve its products or advertisements.’
The privacy policy changes will mainly affect the way businesses can communicate with customers on WhatsApp.
The change to the privacy policy has sparked many frustrated WhatsApp users to jump ship to rival apps, including Telegram (pictured) and Signal
When speaking to businesses via WhatsApp, your messages may now be stored and managed on Facebook, if the business is run through this channel.
However, if that is the case, users should be notified and will be given the option to stop talking to the business if they’d prefer their information was not shared.
In a series of tweets, Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, explained: ‘It’s important for us to be clear this update describes business communication and does not change WhatsApp’s data sharing practices with Facebook.
‘It does not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family wherever they are in the world.’
WhatsApp is encrypted by default, meaning Facebook will not be able to see the contents of your messages.
However, it will be able to see who you message, as well as how often you do it.
The notification sent to WhatsApp users last week outlined the new privacy policy, and urged them to ‘Agree’ with the conditions.
It said: ‘By tapping AGREE, you accept the new terms and privacy policy, which take effect on February 8, 2021. After this date, you’ll need to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp.’
Mirror Online has contacted WhatsApp for further clarification.
