Facebook Facing Opposition to WhatsApp Acquisition

[engine]

That privacy issue for Facebook raises its head again.

Facebook's purchase of mobile messaging service WhatsApp has been opposed by privacy groups.Facebook Facing Opposition to WhatsApp Acquisition [bbc.co.uk]

Opponents want US regulators to stop the deal until Facebook provides more information on what it plans to do with the personal data of WhatsApp's users.

But Facebook said it will operate as a separate company and honour existing privacy arrangements, which include not collecting user data for advertising.
"WhatsApp built a user-base based on its commitment not to collect user data for advertising revenue," read a complaint filed with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It was drawn up by two non-profit groups, the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the Center for Digital Democracy.

Facebook to Acquire WhatsApp [webmasterworld.com]

[mack]

I can understand why users may be unhappy with this deal. The unique point with Watsapp was the lack of data extraction. The service was very keen to point this out when you sign up. This was their reasoning behind offering Watsapp as a paid service.

Mack.

[bill]

The people who used WhatsApp for the privacy aspect are now moving in droves to other services. Unfortunately, this is a relatively small number among WhatsApp's total subscriber base.