Hello GM,

Thank you for sharing this additional information regarding WhatsApp’s data sharing practices with Facebook. Privacy is a big concern for internet users and I like how much time you have put into this.

The references you provided, and many others that I have had to read over the past few days, highlight the changes in WhatsApp’s privacy policy over the years, particularly the sharing of user information and metadata with Facebook starting from a major update in August 2016.

This data sharing arrangement raises concerns for users who prioritize privacy, as it may impact their trust in WhatsApp and other Meta-owned apps.

As it stands, I agree that WhatsApp is not a top privacy tool and my readers should re-consider their choice for the app. The uproar about its privacy policy cannot come for no reason.

Thank you for enlightening me on this and feel free to read more of our articles.

Hi Winnie

Many thanks for your detailed reply and helping your readers understand the background. Highly appreciated.

Please allow me to add some more information to your statement that “While WhatsApp is owned by Meta, it operates separately from the main Facebook app. This means that the privacy policies and data collection practices of WhatsApp are different from those of Facebook.”

It is correct that this was promised at the time of purchase by Facebook. For years unfortunately this is not true (anymore)!

Here only two of many, many references that can be found online:

https://www.techradar.com/news/whatsapps-new-privacy-policy-requires-you-to-share-data-with-facebook
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy requires you to share data with Facebook (January 08, 2021)

https://www.wired.com/story/whatsapp-facebook-data-share-notification/
WhatsApp Has Shared Your Data With Facebook for Years, Actually (January 08, 2021)

“When WhatsApp launched a major update to its privacy policy in August 2016, it started sharing user information and metadata with Facebook.”

Conclusion: If a user values privacy, WhatsApp – and any other app owned by Meta – is a no-go!

Hi GM,

Thank you for your feedback on my blog post. I appreciate your interest in the topic.

Regarding your comment about WhatsApp, I understand your concern. Of course, there has been an uproar and allegations that Meta collects metadata which is a concern for privacy-conscious users. But this has been majorly on Facebook.

While WhatsApp is owned by Meta, it operates separately from the main Facebook app. This means that the privacy policies and data collection practices of WhatsApp are different from those of Facebook.

And in our context, I meant that the end-to-end encryption here ensures that no third party can see your WhatsApp conversations…even Meta cannot.

Finally, sorry I was not more explicit when I used the term “free” here. I mean that you do not need any subscription to use the platform. Of course, you will “pay” with your data. But how many communication platforms would you enjoy without internet?

Still, your point emphasizes the need for transparency in discussions about the true cost of seemingly free services.

I value your input and conversations like these make us more enlightened on online privacy.

Thank you.

Winnie A.

@Anon,

I appreciate your concern about LastPass and the recent breaches. In the article, I aimed to highlight LastPass as a trusted and feature-rich solution based on its overall performance.

However, I do understand that security is a top priority. I will take note of your suggestion to include Bitwarden in future recommendations.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

Shocked that lastpass is being recommended even after major breaches in the recent years. But Bitwarden is not in the list.

Thanks for your interesting article.

However, you must be joking, aren’t you?

“WhatsApp stands out as an ideal communication platform for those who value online privacy”

“The app is entirely free to use”

If someone values online privacy, WhatsApp is certainly a no-go due to the fact that meta data is heavily harvested – and sold!

And there is where your second statement falls flat. It is not free, users pay with their very valuable data!