CHENNAI: WhatsApp on Thursday updated its privacy policy for the first time after it was acquired by Facebook in 2014, outlining the ways in which businesses will be able to create more targeted advertising on Facebook using WhatsApp.
Explaining how it will work, the spokesperson said that if a person has the Facebook app and WhatsApp app installed on the same device, even with different phone numbers, by using the device identifier, Facebook will now be able to map the two in the background using the basic device information.
Whataspp, with this integration hopes to fight spam, abuse, or infringement activities. “It is important to note that WhatsApp messages will not be shared onto Facebook for others to see nor will it be shared with third parties. In fact, Facebook will not use user’s WhatsApp messages for any purpose other than to assist us in operating and providing our services. The communication on Whatsapp will continue to be encrypted end-to-end,” he ensured .
Privacy advocates had raised concerns that Facebook would start mining WhatsApp accounts for data. Speaking about how Facebook will use the information, the spokesperson said: “We may use the information on Facebook for things like making suggestions about friends, content or showing relevant offers and ads.”Another important change in the policy is that businesses will now be allowed to create accounts on WhatsApp. “This means that you may receive flight status information for upcoming travel or receipt for something you purchased. We want to test these features over the next several months, but need to update our terms and privacy policy to do so,” he said.