Provision record
WhatsApp · WhatsApp Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Cookies Used To Operate And Customize Services

Common · 286 of 343 platforms
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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

Recent Activity

This document changed recently

Medium Jun 6, 2026

The updated policy now explicitly states that users may see other types of ads in Status and Channels, reversing prior language indicating WhatsApp had no intention to introduce ads. This represents a shift from the previous position and discloses a change in the advertising model. The policy also adds a new section directing US residents to a separate Regional Privacy Notice where consumer privacy rights under US law are described. Users in the US may wish to review that separate notice to understand their specific privacy rights and any opt-out or data access mechanisms available under applicable state law.

View change record →

How other platforms handle this

Postman

We receive information about you when you or your administrator integrate or link a third-party service with our Services. For example, if you create an account or log into the Services using your Google credentials, we receive your name and email address...

Target

We may use Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology where not prohibited by law to collect information relating to vehicles present at or near Target stores.

Patreon

These features may collect your IP address and other personal data, including which page you are visiting on our site, and may set and/or read cookies.

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
We use cookies to operate and provide our Services, including to provide our Services that are web-based, improve your experiences, understand how our Services are being used, and customize them.

Excerpt from WhatsApp's Privacy Policy

Provision details

Document information
Document
WhatsApp Privacy Policy
Entity
WhatsApp
Date stated by the document
Jan. 4, 2021
As printed in WhatsApp’s text (version CA-V-007570), not a ConductAtlas date.
Tracking information
First captured by ConductAtlas
March 19, 2026
Text quoted from version
CA-V-007256, captured Oct. 1, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-030105
Document ID
CA-D-000176
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Archived bytes SHA-256 (version CA-V-007256)
c54d3e9694f79d1c5ba81f1c01126a67c6c6057efcfce82c55f4d8c8118a7d72
Analysis generated
July 9, 2026 06:34 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Excerpt found in version CA-V-007256, captured Oct. 1, 2026 (checked Oct. 5, 2026)
Not the current version. The document's current version is CA-V-007570, captured Oct. 16, 2026; this clause has not been re-checked against it.
Citation Record
Entity: WhatsApp
Document: WhatsApp Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-030105
Version: CA-V-007256
Captured: 2026-10-01 00:32:07 UTC
SHA-256: c54d3e9694f79d1c…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/whatsapp/whatsapp-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-030105/cookies-used-to-operate-and-customize-services/
Accessed: Nov. 4, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does WhatsApp's Cookies Used To Operate And Customize Services clause do?

The clause states: “We use cookies to operate and provide our Services, including to provide our Services that are web-based, improve your experiences, understand how our Services are being used, and customize them.”

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 286 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with WhatsApp?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by WhatsApp.