What Data Does WhatsApp Collect? Privacy and Security Explained
Staff Reporter
15 November 2026, 12:24
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect personal messages and calls, meaning neither WhatsApp nor Meta can read their contents. However, that does not mean WhatsApp collects no user information.
The messaging platform gathers details such as phone numbers, device information, internet connection data and app usage patterns. Some information may also be shared with Meta when users connect WhatsApp with other Meta services.
In this video:
- What personal and technical information WhatsApp collects.
- What information may be shared with Meta.
- How to control privacy settings through Privacy Checkup.
- How to manage group invitations, Chat Lock and disappearing messages.
- How end-to-end encrypted backups work.
- Why losing your backup password or 64-digit encryption key can permanently prevent backup recovery.
End-to-end encryption protects message and call contents, but it does not hide every detail about how you use WhatsApp. Reviewing privacy settings and securing backup credentials are essential.
