“As part of the Facebook company, WhatsApp receives information from other Facebook companies and also shares information with other Facebook companies,” reads WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy. This must be approved within the framework of the new terms of use – no later than February 8th. So far it was possible to prohibit the transfer of the data. According to Facebook, the sharing of data naturally serves the security and integrity of all Facebook products. The aim is to take action against spam, threats, abuse and violations of rights.

In a further paragraph, however, it also says that the information will be shared to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market the Services. Facebook companies not only include the well-known social networks but also the VPN app Onavo, which is criticized for snooping, and the monitoring tool CrowdTangle.

Guidelines in a circle The reference to the new terms of use and data protection guidelines currently appears automatically when you open WhatsApp. First of all, there is only a brief summary that there are changes in data processing and Facebook-hosted services for businesses. You can “agree” or simply no longer use the messenger after the date of validity.

To find the changed passages, you have to click through some pages and links, which sometimes ends with being led in a circle. In order to process the data, one relies on “different legal bases”. This includes the need to provide services, after consent, but also when there is a legal obligation – for example after being requested by law enforcement authorities. Finally, it also says: “To the extent that it is necessary for our legitimate interests (as well as those of others), including our interests in providing innovative, relevant, secure and profitable services for our users and partners.”

Meanwhile, the US Trade Commission (FTC) is examining whether Facebook has prevented competition by buying WhatsApp and Instagram. Boss Mark Zuckerberg is said to have perceived the two services as a threat and therefore bought them.

(emw)