This privacy-grab by Facebook has led to a surge in signups for rival messaging services Signal and Telegram.
When Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014, WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koumreiterated his companys commitmentto privacy.
The big question might be, why did Facebook wait so long?
d3sign / Getty Images
But the effect has been immediate, and huge.
WhatsApp messages are encrypted, which means that nobodyincluding Facebookcan see whats in them.
But thats a tiny part of the data you generate when messaging.
Edward Smith / Getty Images
First is your address book.
Its almost impossible to use WhatsApp without allowing it to access your entire contacts list.
Folks who refuse to use Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram should remember this.
Then theres all the other data, like who you talk to, when, and where.
Users will have to accept these new terms by February 8, or lose access to their WhatsApp account.
Telegram and Signal
Rival messaging services Signal and Telegram have seen a huge surge in new sign-ups.
Signal, meanwhile, saw weekly signups jump from 246,000 to 8.8 million after Facebook announced the changes.
“All these platforms bother me slightly for the same reason,” technology writerChris Ward toldLifewirevia Telegram.
People often forget services need revenue to keep going, and it has to come from somewhere.
If not you, then where?"
Signal,co-founded by former WhatsApp co-founderBrian Acton, has built its reputation on privacy.
“For us, your private data is sacred,” says aMarch 2019 Telegram blog post.
“We never use your data to target ads.
We never disclose your data to third parties.
We store only what is absolutely necessary for Telegram to work.”
Signal operates as a non-profit organization, and is free to download and use.
Telegram also is free.
Thats about to change, though.
Durov says the same thingon his personal Telegram channel.
Not So Fast
Isnt it easier just to stick with Apples iMessage?
If most of your contacts use iPhones, then yes.
So what should you do?
If you already use Facebook and WhatsApp, then dont sweat it.
Facebook already has all your data, and will continue to add more.
Youve known that for years.
But you should sign up for Signal and Telegram anyway.
If enough of your contacts also jump ship, then you could delete WhatsApp.
Facebook still will know all about you, but at least you will havewait for itsent a message.
