Yesterday, we reported that WhatsApp is going to start sharing more of the information it has on you - including your phone number - with Facebook.
The messaging app is changing its privacy terms for the first time in four years, and it claims agreeing to allow it share more of your details will do things for you like "offer better friend suggestions on Facebook." WhatsApp was bought by Facebook in 2014, so they're both part of the same company.
If you agree to the privacy update, you will also be allowing businesses like airlines and banks contact you through WhatsApp - even if you're not their customer.
WhatsApp says it wants to "explore ways for you to communicate with businesses that matter to you too, while still giving you an experience without third-party banner ads and spam."
What if you don't want to hear from these companies, and what if you have enough Facebook friends and would like your number kept to yourself?
There are two ways to opt out of these new privacy changes.
Option 1:
Before you tap Agree to accept WhatsApp's updated terms, click Read
At the bottom of the screen, if you do not want your information shared with Facebook, you can un-tick the box.
Simple.
Option 2:
If you have already agreed to the update, you have 30 days to change your mind.
To reverse agreeing, go to Settings > Account > Share my account info in WhatsApp. Again, if you don't want your information shared with Facebook un-tick the box.
Despite this massive change in how it wants to use your personal information, WhatsApp says its "belief in the value of private communications is unshakable".
Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner is investigating the changes, and says any processing of data must be "adequate, relevant, not excessive and not prejudicial to the rights of the individual."
