This analysis describes what WhatsApp's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes the scope and conditions under which WhatsApp processes location information, clarifying that collection occurs only upon user activation of location features rather than continuous background collection. It identifies the service settings and device-level controls available to users to manage location data practices.
The updated policy now explicitly discloses that users 'may see other types of ads in Status and Channels,' whereas the prior language stated WhatsApp had 'no intention to introduce' new ad types. This represents a shift from a stated commitment not to expand advertising toward an explicit acknowledgment that new ad categories may appear on WhatsApp's social features. The policy also updated its regional privacy guidance by removing a reference to Thai Personal Data Protection Act rights and adding a new section directing US residents to WhatsApp's United States Regional Privacy Notice for information about their consumer privacy rights under US law.
View change record →Users who activate location-related features authorize WhatsApp to collect and process their precise location data. Users retain the ability to manage location data collection through service settings and device permission controls, which define when location information may be accessed.
How other platforms handle this
We collect information about your precise or approximate location as determined through data such as your IP address, GPS, and other inputs from your device, with your permission where required. We may use this information to provide, personalize, and improve our services, and for safety purposes.
Device and Connection Information. Consistent with your device or browser permissions, your device or browser automatically sends us information about when and how you install, access, or use our Services. This includes information such as your device type, operating system information, browser info...
Uber collects precise or approximate location data from riders' and order recipients' mobile devices when the Uber app is running in the foreground (app open and on-screen) or background (app open but not on-screen) of their device. Uber collects this data from the time a ride or order is requested ...
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WhatsApp has changed this document before.
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"Location Information. We collect and use precise location information from your device when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or view locations nearby or those others have shared with you. There are certain settings relating to location-related information as described in the settings for our Services or device permissions section.— Excerpt from WhatsApp's WhatsApp Privacy Policy
Netflix updated its Privacy Statement on April 18, 2026, disclosing voice recording collection and expanded household ad profiling for the first time.
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This provision establishes the scope and conditions under which WhatsApp processes location information, clarifying that collection occurs only upon user activation of location features rather than continuous background collection. It identifies the service settings and device-level controls available to users to manage location data practices.
Users who activate location-related features authorize WhatsApp to collect and process their precise location data. Users retain the ability to manage location data collection through service settings and device permission controls, which define when location information may be accessed.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 17 platforms. See the full comparison.
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