Facebook actually owns WhatsApp, along with Instagram and Oculus VR (virtual reality glasses). In case you didn’t already know, all of the information you share on WhatsApp is information you’re sharing with Facebook. And most people know Facebook’s track record for keeping information private. Without further delay, we’ll dive into what data WhatsApp collects and whether you can delete it. Also, we’ll share some tips for how to keep your information safe. WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption software in the app to promote privacy and keep third parties from stealing your information.1 Even though this encryption makes WhatsApp safer overall, it’s important to understand how WhatsApp invades your privacy. While it’s less likely that a third party hacker will steal your data, WhatsApp itself is still keeping track of your info. Think of it like this: the internet is like a tube of toothpaste. You easily use as much toothpaste as you want (sharing videos, messages, and photos). But once it’s out there, it’s extremely difficult to put back. If you’re using WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, or any other apps or websites, always be careful how much personal information you share. It’s so important for your personal online safety to be aware of what you’re sharing, where you’re communicating, and how much info you’re giving to large tech companies. The WhatsApp Privacy Policy states that it collects user data in order to better WhatsApp services—such as marketing and communication between Facebook and Instagram—and to customize its services. WhatsApp encourages users to use the automatic backup so that you don’t lose data. But in reality, these backups also allow WhatsApp and Google to keep your data. Simply go to Settings, Storage, and Backups to turn off this feature. If you want to limit the amount of data WhatsApp collects, the best way you can do this is by limiting the amount of data you share in the first place. While this might sound inconvenient, it actually works. Even though WhatsApp wants you to share certain info when you set up an account, you decide how much of your personal information you provide. If you’re interested in downloading a VPN and using it to protect your privacy, here’s a list of the top three VPNs. These providers are known for credibility, high number of servers, and high level encryption software.
