The 4 January announcement by WhatsApp that it would be sharing user data with Facebook was… alarming. But we can all calm down to a mild panic. WhatsApp isn’t changing significantly. Ever since Facebook bought the messaging app in 2014, there’s been some level of data sharing between the two, but not the content of your messages, which are kept private. However other info, like how you interact with the app and your contacts, is shared. So, last week, WhatsApp simply forced us to agree to what it is already doing or to leave the app. But there are changes for WhatsApp Business account users, Facebook later clarified. Essentially, WhatsApp Business users risk having more information about their conversations shared with Facebook, so they can be targeted with more personalised ads. South Africa’s Information Regulator is in talks with Facebook over these changes and its impact on SA users, EWN reported. You can read our full explainer at explain.co.za.
This brief was originally published in The Wrap here.
/explain/ is independent, easy-to-understand news for busy South Africans. Sign up for our award-winning weekly Wrap of the news here. Check out our Weekly Roundup section for our Wrap archive.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Click here to view Privacy Policy. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
BRIEF: Is WhatsApp REALLY changing
|
| Follow us on Google News
The 4 January announcement by WhatsApp that it would be sharing user data with Facebook was… alarming. But we can all calm down to a mild panic. WhatsApp isn’t changing significantly. Ever since Facebook bought the messaging app in 2014, there’s been some level of data sharing between the two, but not the content of your messages, which are kept private. However other info, like how you interact with the app and your contacts, is shared. So, last week, WhatsApp simply forced us to agree to what it is already doing or to leave the app. But there are changes for WhatsApp Business account users, Facebook later clarified. Essentially, WhatsApp Business users risk having more information about their conversations shared with Facebook, so they can be targeted with more personalised ads. South Africa’s Information Regulator is in talks with Facebook over these changes and its impact on SA users, EWN reported. You can read our full explainer at explain.co.za.
This brief was originally published in The Wrap here.
Aarti Bhana
/explain/ is independent, easy-to-understand news for busy South Africans. Sign up for our award-winning weekly Wrap of the news here. Check out our Weekly Roundup section for our Wrap archive.
Click here
to make /explain/ a preferred source in Google Search, or follow us on Google News.
Related Stories
3 ways the Iran war could hurt Mzansi
What the closure of City Press means for the media – and all of us
05 March ‘26 Wrap: The US has plunged the world into war.