Sharing Personal Data: With Whom and Why?

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One of the most contentious aspects of WhatsApp's data practices revolves around its sharing of information, particularly with its parent company, Meta.

1. Sharing with Other Meta Companies
WhatsApp is part of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). Its privacy policy states that it "receives information from, and shares information with, the other Meta Companies." This sharing is primarily for:


Operating, Providing, Improving, and Supporting Services: Leveraging Meta's infrastructure, systems, and expertise for things like spam prevention, safety, and security.
Safety, Security, and Integrity: Collaborating on efforts to combat harmful conduct, protect users, and identify suspicious activity across Meta's family of apps.
Integration with Meta Products (User Choice): If you choose to link tunisia phone number list your WhatsApp account with an Accounts Centre (e.g., to cross-post Status updates to Facebook), then additional information may be shared to enable these optional features.
Measuring Services: Understanding how users interact across Meta's products.
Crucial Distinction: WhatsApp emphasizes that your personal messages and calls remain end-to-end encrypted and are not shared with Meta companies for their use in advertising. They also state they don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling, and cannot see your shared location. However, the metadata discussed above (e.g., usage patterns, device information, IP address) can be shared. The extent and purpose of this sharing have been a source of significant privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny, particularly in regions like the EU.