When Facebook purchased the popular messenger in 2014, WhatsApp pledged to preserve its users' privacy.
"Here's what will change for you, our users: nothing." The company's statement read. "There would have been no partnership between our two companies if we had to compromise on the core principles that will always define our company."
The privacy-protected messaging service explained that cooperation with Facebook will help test new features allowing users to "communicate with businesses that matter to them", find new methods of dealing with spam, make friends recommendations more accurate, among plenty of other pros.
The messenger's new terms-of-service have caused quite a stir among privacy advocates, including the UK's Information Commissioner (ICO) which are now investigating the case.
"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." ICO said in a statement.
Although WhatsApp announced that users will have 30 days to opt out if they don't want their data to be transferred to Facebook, EPIC insists that Federal Trade Commission's order obliges the company to obtain opt-in consent before the practices are changed.
