How to Opt Out of WhatsApp’s Facebook Data Sharing

WhatsApp changed its privacy policy so it can share information with Facebook. The idea is that by sharing some information about you, Facebook can display more relevant ads. If that doesn’t sound like anything you’re interested in, don’t dispair because WhatsApp lets you opt out. Read on to learn how.

Here’s how to opt out of letting Facebook target ads for WhatsApp users

If the WhatsApp app doesn’t automatically show you the new terms of service on your iPhone, tap Settings > Privacy and they should appear. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and uncheck the option to share your account information with Facebook. Next, tap Agree.

Uncheck the sharing option (left) to opt out of letting Facebook use your account info for targeted ads (right)

Let’s say you accidentally agreed to the new terms without unchecking the data sharing option. That’s no problem, as long as you aren’t a procrastinator. You have 30 days to change your mind and opt out through the app’s settings.

• To opt out of Facebook data sharing after agreeing to the new terms in the app, do this:
  
  Tap Settings
  
  Tap Account
  
  Uncheck Share my account info

WhatsApp privacy and account sharing settings

Unfortunately, opting out of sharing your account information doesn’t mean Facebook won’t get it. Instead, it means that Facebook will still have your WhatsApp account info, but won’t use it to target you with ads. WhatsApp made that pretty clear saying,

The Facebook family of companies will still receive and use this information for other purposes such as improving infrastructure and delivery systems, understanding how our services or theirs are used, securing systems, and fighting spam, abuse, or infringement activities.

Opting out of sharing your information isn’t the same as opting out of ads, which no doubt will be a big point of contention for some WhatsApp users. WhatsApp says it’s experimenting with marketing ideas in the coming months, so there’s a good chance you’ll still see some sort of in-app advertising—which sounds like the exact opposite of what the WhatsApp team promised.

Share this post