You most likely use WhatsApp. Many of you, if not most, probably haven’t bothered to sit down and read the fine print of the new privacy policy. Maybe you approved it automatically (naturally), maybe you only delayed the end (like me).
As someone who practices awareness in the digital space, I try to read those fine prints. I, like many others, usually don’t bother to read what is written in all those scrolls that establish the rights of big technological corporations over our information and privacy.
While I’m by no means an expert on the issues discussed here, I’ve done my part to understand what’s going on. This, hopefully, will allow us to make more informed decisions when it comes to being frequent users.
Let’s take a look.
What does WhatsApp’s privacy policy actually say?
The platform reserves the right to share your information with other applications owned by Meta Corporation. It doesn’t matter whether you have an account on Instagram or not. On the surface, there isn’t much new here in terms of privacy. It’s a direct continuation of the same familiar data mining practice.
In WhatsApp’s privacy policy, it states that information will be exchanged between the various Meta companies, which will help you in operating the application and with improved marketing services.
Until now, this subject of information was “consensual”. Consent was sometimes elusive and often obtained without the current user’s knowledge, but it was given.
As of February 8th, we will have to consent to the transfer of our information.
What does this mean for WhatsApp messages? Will Facebook have access to them?
The answer is no, as far as we know. Obviously, our concerns are legitimate. However, the truth is that the content of the messages is sensitive and encrypted information that is not used for information trading.
The only information that can move freely is your IP address, the details with which you registered for the service (including your phone number, naturally), the details about purchases, and the details regarding the device itself, such as the battery level and signal strength.
If you delete your account, what happens?
Choosing this option will remove all unsent messages from the servers as well as all information that the application no longer needs to provide you with its services. What’s more, you must remember not only to delete the application, but also to go to Settings > Account > Deleting my account.
Regarding this matter, WhatsApp’s privacy policy reminds you that deleting an account does not affect the information that other users have about your interactions with them.
Are there alternatives?
There are many voices calling for the public to switch from WhatsApp to other applications for instant communication. The most dominant options are Telegram and Signal, which might experience a breakthrough due to Meta’s move.
On his Twitter account, Elon Musk was among the first to promote Signal.
Taking a holistic view
It is imperative to read the fine print
Several of us have already approved the revised policy without blinking (it’s fine, you can still delete your account if you want). Previously, we were required to read the letters, but we didn’t. Now it’s time.
As of May 2018, there is a regulation (GDPR) that requires companies that wish to use our information to ask us for our consent.
Only a very small proportion of you pay attention to the pop-up window that asks us to approve the use of cookies (which are used for data mining).
Our interests need to be protected by regulation
My understanding of the small details is limited. However, I am aware, for example, that WhatsApp users in Europe have a slightly different privacy policy than Americans. It is because Europe is more strict and decisive about protecting its citizens’ privacy. In the end, regulation is the only way to curb the omnipotence of technological corporations.
A reimagined economic model is needed for technological development.
Data about us is one of the most traded currencies. That’s why we will always be at odds with the market’s economic forces. In light of the problematic direction of the digital revolution, humanity needs to reset the way technology is developed and encourage the creation of humane technology.
Read more on the “Center for Humane Technology” website
An optimistic and amused opinion
We were happy (and maybe even more so) before WhatsApp and Facebook became so prevalent. Probably not much will happen to us if we stop using them. I try my best to encourage my followers to cultivate a conscious relationship with the digital space. This means to practice clear intention and to strive for balance rather than just finding alternative apps.
Digital detox is a good place to start.
I wish us the best of luck.
