Social News
Written by: Huang Weilun
2021-01-11 17:59
Last update date: 2021-01-11 17:59
Many Hong Kong people use the instant messaging software Whatsapp and recently updated the terms of use. If users want to continue using the program, they need to approve the sharing of phone numbers, contacts, and other information with their parent company Facebook.
Hong Kong Personal Data Privacy Commissioner Chung Lai Ling said today (11th) that she is concerned about the incident and calls on users to pay attention to the changes and carefully consider the new terms. She also urges Whatsapp to explain clearly to users how to use the data, and to postpone the user's consideration period. Users have plenty of time to consider.
Zhong Liling pointed out that the shared data involved included a lot of personal data and expressed concern about this.
(Data Picture/Provided by the Privacy Office)
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner issued a press release today stating that it noticed that an instant messaging software widely used by Hong Kong people has recently announced changes to the terms of use and privacy policy. Users will agree to the new terms before February 8, otherwise they cannot continue to use it.
Zhong Liling pointed out that the shared data involved includes a lot of personal data, and she is concerned about this and urges users to pay attention to the changes, carefully consider the new terms before agreeing to the policy, and pay attention to the types and uses of related shared data, and consider whether they are willing to share personal data , Transferred to related companies for storage and use.
She said that if users choose not to agree to the new terms, they should be prepared for data storage.
Information that WhatsApp will share with Facebook and other platforms:
Account registration information (such as mobile phone number)
• Transaction information
• Service related information
• Information on how users communicate with others (including business activities) when using the communication software service
• Information on the user’s mobile device
• User IP address
• Other information stipulated in its privacy policy that it will be collected; or obtained after notifying the user or based on the user's consent, which may include:
o Account information (such as user-defined profile name and page image)
o Messages sent under certain circumstances (such as when the message was not successfully delivered)
o Contact information in the user address book
o Status information set by the user
o Transaction or payment information when using the payment service of the communication software or using its service for shopping or financial transactions
o Customer service and other related contact information
o User activity records and information (such as online status, group information, page avatar, etc.)
o User device and network connection information (such as hardware model, operating system, battery level, signal strength, browser data, mobile network, system language and time zone, etc.)
o Mobile phone location information
o "cookies"
• Information provided to users of the communication software by third parties, third-party service providers and/or other related companies
Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Zhong Liling also pointed out that she has noticed that many children and young people have smart phones and use Whatsapp, and remind parents to provide their children with appropriate guidance on the new terms of use.
The Commissioner’s Office urges that Whatsapp should fully explain to users the arrangements for personal data sharing under the new terms, the personal data involved and the use of related data; extend the user’s consideration period to allow users sufficient time to consider; and consider disagreeing with the new terms. Users of terms and privacy policies provide feasible solutions for continuing to use their services.
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Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data
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