Does WhatsApp sell your data? Here’s what users need to know

WhatsApp is used by people for daily chats sharing photos and videos making phone calls and keeping in contact with friends and family. WhatsApp’s end‑to‑end encryption is a feature that makes WhatsApp popular, among people who care about privacy. However, even though WhatsApp encrypts conversations that does not mean WhatsApp does not gather information.

The messaging app, owned by Meta gathers details about its users, including phone numbers, device information account details and usage‑related data. The messaging app may also receive information, about users through their contacts. While the company cannot read the content of messages and calls-which are protected by end‑to‑end encryption.

What information does WhatsApp collect?

WhatsApp collects different categories of information during account registration and daily use. According to its privacy policy, this data generally comes from three sources:

· Information provided by users: When creating an account, users share details such as their phone number and name. They may also provide other information while using the platform.

· Information collected automatically: WhatsApp gathers technical details about devices and internet connections to ensure that messages, calls, and other features function correctly.

· Information from other users: The platform may receive information about you through other people who also use WhatsApp.

Does WhatsApp share information, with Meta?

WhatsApp is owned by Meta some information may be shared across these services. This can happen especially when users decide to link their WhatsApp experience with Meta platforms.

For example, users can choose to share their WhatsApp “Status” updates on Facebook. These features work by transferring some information, between the two services. The transfer is needed so that the integration can function properly.

However, collecting and sharing data does not mean that WhatsApp sells conversations. The content of messages and calls stays protected because end-to-end encryption is still, in place.

How to improve your privacy on WhatsApp

Users can take a simple step to get more control, over their account information.

WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup feature helps users review the security options that’re available and adjust the settings to match the preferences they want. Privacy Checkup lets you see all the options and choose what works best for you.

To access these controls:

· Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Privacy.

· Decide who can see your profile information, “last seen” status, online status, and other details.

· Choose who can add you to groups.

· Enable disappearing messages in your conversations.

· Use chat lock or app lock to add an extra layer of protection.

Are WhatsApp chat backups encrypted?

WhatsApp users should also pay attention to how their chat backups are stored. The app offers an option to encrypt backups saved to Google Account or iCloud messages and media files remain protected. Users can secure these backups with a password or a 64-digit encryption key.

There is one thing users should not overlook. Losing the password or encryption key could mean losing access to the backup. WhatsApp cannot retrieve the key. Restore the backup in such cases.

While end-to-end encryption keeps chats and calls private it does not stop WhatsApp from collecting other account-related details. Users should check their privacy settings from time, to time. Make sure their backups are protected.