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Whatsapp privacy issues: What’s changed and why it matters

Guy Hall • January 22, 2021

Whatsapp, and Whatsapp privacy issues, have been at the center of a lot of discussions lately. The company’s recent privacy update caused an outcry on social media and millions of users turned to Whatsapp alternatives. The privacy update certainly isn’t good, but as with all things that take on a life of their own on social media, there’s a lot of misinformation to sift through. 

So let’s sift. 

What happened? 

People were concerned that this privacy update meant that sensitive information was going to be shared with Facebook, such as the content of their private messages and logs of who they were calling and/or messaging. 

These worries spread like wildfire over social media and the flames were stoked by some high profile celebrities weighing in. Elon Musk, for example, one of the most prominent figures in tech, tweeted “Use Signal” at the height of the controversy. 

Signal is a Whatsapp alternative, a cross-platform encrypted messaging service, and while Musk’s tweet doesn’t mention Whatsapp privacy issues specifically, recommending that his roughly 42 million followers use a competitor speaks volumes.
The perceived Whatsapp privacy issues, compounded by comments from those like Musk, caused many users to look for alternatives. Signal, and another similar app called Telegram, surged to the top of both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Should you be worried about Whatsapp privacy issues?

Skepticism, especially when it comes to Facebook owned platforms, is healthy and understandable. That said, in most cases, you shouldn’t be particularly worried about this specific update.

As a response to the online backlash, Whatsapp published an FAQ page where they hoped to communicate what the update actually means for users. 

They were keen to point out that “Whatsapp cannot read your private messages or hear your calls and neither can Facebook”, and addressed several other common concerns about Whatsapp privacy issues. 

Whatsapp clarified that they don’t keep logs of who people are calling and messaging, they don’t share your contacts with Facebook and that “Whatsapp cannot see your shared location and neither can Facebook”.

In fact, the privacy update in question relates to messaging business on the platform, rather than personal messages to friends and family.

The update allows businesses to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage their Whatsapp conversations with customers, and certain information can then be used for marketing purposes, including ads on Facebook.

There are several other changes in this update that relate to individuals interacting with businesses and Facebook‘s Shops feature via Whatsapp.

However, if you’re only using Whatsapp to message your friends and family, then there isn’t a huge amount that has changed.

Note: If you were worried by the thought of having your phone number shared with Facebook, unfortunately, that ship sailed back in 2016. 

Why does this change matter? 

Well, in terms of Whatsapp privacy issues, it matters if you use Whatsapp to communicate with businesses. You should read carefully what these changes mean for you and decide whether you still feel comfortable using the platform.

On a larger scale, however, this change matters as it exposed two things.

First, it once again exposed that people really care about their privacy when it comes to messaging, and rightly so! 

Mistrust when it comes to personal information and corporations, especially big tech companies, continues to grow and people are not afraid to take their business elsewhere if they feel that their personal information is in jeopardy. The fact that millions of people were so quick to jump ship and try out a new service, i.e. Signal or Telegram, is a clear message to any tech company.

Protect our personal information, or we’re out. 

Second, however, this change once again exposed the importance of reading the fine print. While we’re sure that almost everyone is concerned about their information privacy to some degree, it appears that not too many people were willing to make the effort to actually read and research what these changes meant for them.

And we’re not judging, we’re totally the same. 

Terms and conditions are tedious and confusing. They’re often written in ways that are difficult to understand and it’s much easier to just listen to a simplified explanation from someone else who has taken the time to read and understand them.

Unfortunately, this leaves you exposed to misinformation. 

We recommend that if you’re not going to take the time to read these kinds of updates (which, again, we totally get) then at least make sure that your understanding of what they mean is accurate. 

Set yourself up for success

1. Use numerous sources of information. 

2. Make sure these sources cover a spectrum of views on the subject. 

• For example, you don’t just want to be taking in information from people who despise Facebook and Whatsapp. See what the company themselves has to say.
• Get input from people who love the platforms too and try to summarize the pros and cons.

3. Listen to legitimate sources.

• Make sure you’re listening to people who know what they’re talking about, those with expertise in the field or subject at hand.
• Get your information from reputable sources rather than taking the word of someone called @whatsappsuckz on Twitter.

4. Wait a little while before making any big decisions.

• When a change like this is announced, you want to allow some time for all the information to come to the surface.
• Reading and properly digesting complex information, like that contained in a privacy policy, takes time and effort (which is likely the exact reason that you’re not doing it) so allow a day or two for all the facts to be teased out. 
• Ask questions of the experts if you don’t understand the policy you’re being asked to agree to. They’re usually quite happy to help or explain.

5. Follow your head, not your heart.

• When it comes to sensitive topics, like personal information, it can be very easy to get swept up in your own emotional biases. Instead, you should aim to keep a clear head and focus on the facts. 
• Once you’ve gathered and sifted through all the data, follow through with your decision.
• You may also want to prepare your social network of friends and family, especially if you have reason to believe their personal data may be at risk.

Ting Mobile cares about privacy

At Ting Mobile, we take protecting your personal information extremely seriously. Our technical and support teams are extensively trained in best security practices, and our policies ensure that your data will not be sold or shared with unauthorized third parties. 

But that’s not the only reason to get excited about Ting Mobile. With low-cost plans, coast-to-coast coverage and no hidden fees, Ting Mobile is a mobile solution that guarantees you peace of mind. See if your phone can come to Ting Mobile!