WhatsApp: Privacy - how to set the app correctly

WhatsApp is currently one of the most popular messengers. However, the company, which was bought out by Facebook a few years ago, keeps popping up in negative headlines when it comes to the privacy issue. What data is stored by WhatsApp and how bad is it really?

How exactly does WhatsApp take data protection?

After a data protection lawsuit in Berlin, the company had to change its terms of use. But apparently not for the better, because new allegations are on the way, according to which WhatsApp exploits a loophole in the General Data Protection Regulation.

1. WhatsApp stores messages according to its own information only briefly on the server, if the person to whom the message should arrive is not available.
2. According to WhatsApp, photos and videos are also only stored temporarily for a short time. However, there is also no proof of the company, there you must probably rely on the word of WhatsApp so Facebook.
3. What is known in any case, is the fact that WhatsApp stores metadata. This means that every time you make a call via WhatsApp, the phone numbers and location of you and the person called are stored.
4. Facebook uses the data to complete an incomplete user profile about you. Haben Sie beispielweise keine Nummer bei Facebook angegeben, dann wird Ihre WhatsApp-Telefonnummer automatisch mit Ihrem Facebook-Account verknüpft und andere Personen können diese über Ihr Profil auf Facebook einsehen.