How to Opt Out of WhatsApp Facebook Data Sharing [u]

This morning WhatsApp announced it will soon share user phone numbers and other analytics data with Facebook, to show users “better” ads and friend suggestions. The move is controversial since WhatsApp’s CEO pledged to maintain user privacy when Facebook acquired the messaging app over two years ago.

There is no way to completely opt-out of data sharing with Facebook, but WhatsApp is offering one partial way to be excluded from ad and product-related targeting on the social network.

TechCrunch asked WhatsApp why there is no full opt-out method—here’s what a spokesperson responded:

“We understand people with WhatsApp accounts might want to opt out of sharing their account information to improve their Facebook experiences. They have an additional 30 days to opt out after accepting the new terms so they have time to consider their choices.”

While that’s not an answer, it just reiterates one of two ways users can opt out of data sharing to Facebook.

How to Opt Out of Sharing WhatsApp data to Facebook

Option 1: when the new WhatsApp Terms and Privacy Policy is released, it’ll pop up when you open the app. Do not click ‘AGREE’, but scroll down to the bottom of the document and un-tick the box that will opt you out of account info sharing to Facebook:

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Whatsapp opt out

Option 2: Did you accidentally tap AGREE without opting out? WhatsApp says you have 30 days to reverse the decision. In WhatsApp, just go to:

Settings > Account > “Share my account info” and un-tick the box:

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This information on how to opt-out comes from WhatsApp’s support document, which for now, only supplies Android screenshots. So for iOS users, it should be similar.

Even if you opt out, WhatsApp explains 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.” Pretty clear, right?!

There’s a third option—delete your WhatsApp account or associate it with a different number.

Let us know what you decide to do!

Update August 27, 2016: Added iOS screenshots on how to opt-out, below.

First, tap on the bottom to see terms:

opt out whatsapp facebook

Next, just toggle OFF the setting below:

opt out facebook whatsapp ios

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