Here is how Facebook is 'stealing' data from you through WhatsApp
- Facebook acquired WhatsApp back in 2014 for a jaw-dropping $19 billion.
- While founders had said there won't be ads and the app will continue to work as it always did, it soon took a 'U' turn.
- Sibal reportedly argued that Google shares more than what Facebook does.
FollowThis week, the Supreme Court asked Facebook and WhatsApp to reveal what information is being shared with third-parties. This comes from the five-judge panel that is hearing the petition that challenges WhatsApp Privacy Policy.
Before we get into the WhatsApp policy mess, Kapil Sibal who represents WhatsApp revealed that the company only shares telephone number, last seen info, device details and registration number, according to the Indian Express. Apart from these details, no other information is shared with a third-party.
With Facebook going back on its commitment towards WhatsApp, many weren't surprised to see a flow of targeted ads. Now, the 2012 WhatsApp privacy policy, which was before the company was acquired by Facebook, said it does not access any user information. But, things took a U Turn last year. Those who have known Facebook and its ways, knew very well that this was bound to happen sooner or later. The only question was - how long would it take for Facebook to change it mind?
Sibal reportedly argued that Google shares more than what Facebook does. Obviously, it didn't go down well with the court, adds the report. The golden rule of 'speak for yourself'.
Also Read: Google, Facebook are spying on you? Here's what you can do
Facebook acquired WhatsApp back in 2014 for a jaw-dropping $19 billion. While founders Koum and Acton assured users that there won't be ads and the app will continue to work as it always did, the promise was broken last year as WhatsApp stealthily changed its privacy policy. After all, Facebook is looking at ways to monetise this high profile acquisition it made. WhatsApp will share 'select' information with Facebook to help target ads.
If you look clearly at the WhatsApp Privacy Policy, the company can collect information post 25 September 2016 that includes your phone number, name, photo, online status, information about the device you are using, groups you belong to and information from third-party services integrated with WhatsApp, which basically means an article shared via WhatsApp. You can read the complete policy here. WhatsApp did give the option to opt out, but how may users really read the fine print before agreeing to terms and conditions.
So, this is the information that Facebook could be 'stealing' from you via WhatsApp. Facebook has always left us with a bitter-sour taste. From packaging and repackaging of ' so-called-noble' Internet.org initiative to fooling users into signing petitions that support Free Basics, Facebook has a history of disappointing us.
Now, the latest nine-judge verdict on privacy becoming a fundamental right, the validity of this WhatsApp Policy becomes questionable.
