WhatsApp is changing its privacy policy that requires users to share data with Faceook or risk having their account deactivated.
The messenger app, which is owned by Faceook, is sending its two-billion active users a pop-up message asking them to agree to its latest terms and conditions.
However, the pop-up alert makes it clear that agreeing to this is compulsory if people want to keep using the free app otherwise you will lose access after February 8.
WhatsApp users have received the pop-up messages over the past 24 hours - with many clicking the 'agree' button without reading the terms in the small print.
The messenger service is part of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's social media empire which also includes Instagram - and the changes are being made to help it integrate better with other services offered by the dominant force.
It is believed the the three massive social media platforms could eventually be integrated into one.
The latest change in private policy provides the user the option of clicking on an 'agree' button or choosing the 'not now' button.
However, a closer look at the small print shows that February 8 is the cut-off point after which you will lose access to your account if you do not agree.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told the Daily Record: “There are no changes to WhatsApp’s data sharing practices in the European region (including UK) arising from the updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
"For the avoidance of any doubt, it is still the case that WhatsApp does not share European region WhatsApp user data with Facebook for the purpose of Facebook using this data to improve its products or advertisements.”
WhatsApp's 'end-to-end encryption' is supposed to ensure only you and the person you're communicating with can read or listen to what is sent.
The app has opened up about how collects and handles users' data in a bid to become more transparent.
Its website now includes a section titled 'Transactions and Payments Data' and another detailing how it handles 'Location Information'.
Another carries a section 'What information does WhatsApp share with the Facebook Companies?'.
It reads: "WhatsApp currently shares certain categories of information with Facebook Companies.
"The information we share with the other Facebook Companies includes your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data, service-related information, information on how you interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address, and may include other information identified in the Privacy Policy section entitled ‘Information We Collect’ or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent."
Another addition to the newly updates policy hints that users may from time to time receive marketing material about Facebook Companies.
