


You have the right to know what’s being collected and how it’s being used. But there was no word on exactly what was being used, and how.

We collect it because we need it, was the message. It seemed that WhatsApp’s was taking the view that the backlash would blow over and we would all forget. More importantly, the rationale behind collecting all this data in the first place was downplayed. The fact this isn’t new is hardly the point. But suddenly WhatsApp had shone a light on the fact that there is some data sharing. It’s all good, WhatsApp said, we don’t share all your data with Facebook. It’s tied to an existing one and uses data services in order to send messages and make calls.The second part of that backlash, the forced change of terms, hit hard because it seemed WhatsApp was collecting this data and sharing it with Facebook-that was the misreporting. This will consume your data allowance at a fairly slow rate unless you are connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot.Ī quick summary: No, WhatsApp does not give you a new phone number.

You can also make voice and video calls without having to use your minutes. The main difference between WhatsApp and your regular texts is that instead of using your text allowance (which many providers restrict) you can send as many messages as you like via your Internet connection instead. If they don’t have it already, this will show them your phone number along with the message you sent. When that’s done, you can send them a message. In order to start new chats, you need to add contacts – doing so means that you need to save their number on your WhatsApp or phone contact list. Each copy of WhatsApp can be bound only to one number, though it is possible on some phones to install multiple copies of the same app, thus linking to multiple numbers, but always in separate instances of the app. Instead, the app is linked to your existing phone number.
