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WhatsApp has been in the news in recent times, especially after a class-action lawsuit filed internationally accused the platform of allegedly having ‘backdoor’ access to end-to-end encrypted messaging. However, the company has repeatedly clarified that personal chats and calls remain completely end-to-end encrypted.

Nevertheless, the company also states that Updates tab — which includes Status and Channels — but the method of data processing is different. According to WhatsApp’s official FAQ, limited usage- information, engagement data and advertising information may be collected when using these features.

Understand in detail below what data WhatsApp collects and how it is used.

What data is collected when using Status and Channels?

If you use WhatsApp’s Updates feature (Status and Channels), the platform may process some additional information.

• What status did you share?
• Which statuses did you view or react to?
• Viewing and interaction time and activity patterns
• Limited engagement metadata

WhatsApp says this information is used to improve features and improve the usage experience.

Some additional activity data to the administrator who runs the channel may be processed, such as:

• Channel management activities
• Posting and Admin Interactions
• Subscription or monetization information (if applicable)

• Which channels did you watch?
• Which posts did you interact with?
• Follow/Unfollow Activity
• signs to engagement

This data is primarily used for content recommendation and feature improvement.

In the case of paid subscriptions, WhatsApp may process the following information:

• Subscription Status
• Limited payment information
• Subscription Interaction

(Payment processing usually happens through third-party payment partners.)

WhatsApp may use limited advertising- data, such as:

• Which ads did you see?
• Ad clicks or interactions
• common usage patterns

The company says that this data remains separate from the content of individual chats.

Linking to Meta’s Accounts Center may share some account-level information, allowing:

• Cross-platform features
• Account Management
• security control

Can work in a better way.

How does WhatsApp use your data?

According to the company, user information is used within the legal and policy framework. Its main objectives are:

• Operating and improving features
• Improve user experience
• Maintaining Platform Functionality

Where the user gives permission, the data may be used for optional features or personalization.

WhatsApp says that some data processing is carried out for its legitimate business purposes, provided it does not affect users’ privacy rights.

• prevent fraud
• recognize abuse
• Maintain the security of the platform and users

The information is also used for.

Data usage as per usage on Updates tab

According to WhatsApp, data usage depends on how you use the Updates tab:

• On sharing/viewing status: Measuring engagement and feature improvements
• For Channel Admin: Channel Management and Analytics
• For Followers/Viewers: Improve content recommendations
• For Subscriber: Payments and Subscription Management
• When an ad is shown: Measuring ad relevance
• for all users: Platform security and performance improvements

WhatsApp reiterates that personal chats and calls remain end-to-end encrypted and the company cannot read them. However, limited usage- data may be collected on Updates features such as Status and Channels, which are primarily used for feature improvements, understanding engagement, and ad management.

Users are advised to regularly check their privacy settings and monitor updates regarding the app’s data usage.