Regulators 'Look Into' Facebook Links To WhatsApp

Regulators are "looking into" plans for WhatsApp to share user information with Facebook (NasdaqGS: FB - news) .

The online chat app has changed its privacy policy to allow sharing the information, which includes the phone numbers of its users, with its parent company.

Users launching the app today were told that agreeing to the new policy would see their account information shared with the "Facebook family of companies", which includes Instagram and virtual reality tech company Oculus.

WhatsApp said that messages remain encrypted and unable to be read or shared by them, Facebook or third parties.

Phone numbers will be connected with Facebook's systems to allow targeted ads and friend suggestions but will not be shared or sold to advertisers.

Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014 for £16.5bn.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said the changes would affect "a lot of people", with some thinking it will mean "a better service" and others "concerned by the lack of control".

"Our role is to pull back the curtain on things like this, ensuring that companies are being transparent with the public about how their personal data is being shared, and protecting consumers by making sure the law is being followed.

"We've been informed of the changes.

"Organisations do not need to get prior approval from the ICO to change their approaches, but they do need to stay within data protection laws. We are looking into this."

Under the changes, WhatsApp could in future be used by banks to tell customers about possible fraud or airlines to notify users about flight delays, the service said.

Businesses could also use the service to send orders, receipts, delivery updates and marketing.

WhatsApp said their belief "in the value of private communications is unshakeable" and that there is "no intention to introduce" banner ads from third parties.

Users have 30 days to accept the new privacy policy terms or stop using the service.

Once they accept the policy, they have another 30 days to opt out of sharing information with Facebook.