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Whatsapp just announced that it will share the phone numbers of its users with Facebook and allow some companies to send them messages.
This is the first time the company changed its privacy policy since it was acquired by the social network in 2014.
But, what this translates?
first, you may get contact suggestions “more relevant” .
But more ads.
And it is not difficult, say some analysts, many users feel “betrayed”.
“When WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook said it would remain as a separate service “he told the BBC Pamela Clark-Diskson, technological consultancy Ovum.
” Now giving Facebook phone numbers. And some users might say it is abuse confidence “.
“In a way, has backtracked on something that said it would” concludes the specialist.
Friends “relevant”
the reason alleged Whatsapp to defend its new privacy policy was to share phone numbers of its users with Facebook serve to block (or “spam”)
the company also said it will offer people “best friend suggestions and ads more relevant” .
And is that by having these new data, Facebook will be able to connect with another person if they exchanged their telephone number and has not had added as “friends” the social network.
Whatsapp will also share information about the last time you used the service.
However, he assured that not share the content of messages were sent, which are encrypted.
“your encrypted messages remain private and no one else can read them. neither Whatsapp or Facebook or anyone else,” said the company’s blog.
However he said users may choose not to share their data with Facebook . To do so, they must follow a few simple steps.
How can you prevent it?
- When Whatsapp ask you to accept the terms and conditions of the updated service, click on the” Read “ to expand the full text
- a checkbox at the bottom lets you prevent your data to be shared
- in any case, says Whatsapp Facebook continue to receive your data in some situations
messages with “commercial content”
the new privacy policy also opens the way for companies to send messages to users of Whatsapp.
according to the organization, advertisers send messages via SMS like alerts airline or updates on your bank balance – may do so now through Whatsapp
But besides information about appointments or notifications. delivery, Whastapp also enable messages “marketing”.
“The messages that you receive commercial content may include an offer or something that may be of interest “ the company said.
Clark-Dickson said that maybe users do not mind receiving such messages “if they are useful”.
“But Whatsapp must be careful . many people who use it do not like to receive advertising “ .
In any case, company said it would test new messaging features in the coming months, but promised to avoid the “experience spam” and would prevent firms inundate users with ads.
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