For the first time since Facebook acquired WhatsApp, the messaging service has announced changes to its privacy policy, which will now allow it to share data with Facebook.
The company is however quick to allay suspicion from its users.
“Your encrypted messages stay private and no one else can read them. Not WhatsApp, not Facebook, nor anyone else,” the WhatsApp blog post read.
The new changes will let you receive ads by linking your WhatsApp phone number with Facebook. The changes are however likely to upset some people. Users may however choose to opt-out of some of the data sharing for example ads. So make sure you read the terms and conditions before agreeing to any.
The company has also hinted at easing communication between people and businesses letting users get real-time information or notifications on businesses that concern them, changes that will be introduced in the near future.
Recently WhatsApp made changes to its application such as end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp Calling, and messaging tools like WhatsApp for web and desktop to enhance user experience.