Watchdog Wades Into Whatsapp Privacy Row

The Privacy Commissioner on Monday urged messaging service Whatsapp to put off a controversial new policy that would require users to share a host of data with its parent company, Facebook, and clearly explain how this information would be used.

Whatsapp is forcing billions of users across the world to agree to the new terms by February 8 or get kicked off the platform.

But Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung noted that a “substantial amount of personal data” will be shared with Facebook, including phone numbers, user locations, contacts, and payments and transactions made via Whatsapp.

She urged Whatsapp to extend the deadline for users to agree to the new terms and provide practical alternatives to those who refuse to comply, so they can keep continue using the app.

The commissioner also urged Whatsapp to consider excluding users who don’t even have Facebook accounts from having to agree to the new terms.

Chung noted that the app is widely used by the general public in Hong Kong, and that there are concerns about privacy issues in how the app shares data.

She also warned users to be careful about what they agree to.

“The Privacy Commissioner is concerned that the data to be shared includes a substantial amount of personal data, and appeals to users to be aware of the changes in question, carefully consider the new terms, and take note of the types of data to be shared and how they will be used under the new Terms and Privacy Policy,” Chung said in a statement.

The commissioner said those who are not willing to give up their personal information should “make preparations to back up their data.”

The controversial change has sparked calls across the globe for people to migrate to other messaging apps, with critics accusing WhatsApp of compromising user privacy.