WhatsApp account can be linked to Facebook and Instagram in future
After Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp can soon also be integrated into Meta's account overview, for example to share status messages.
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Meta Platforms has announced that WhatsApp users will soon be able to integrate their account into the service provider's so-called Accounts Center. This account overview already includes Facebook and Instagram so that some actions can be carried out in all services at the same time. One example of Metas is the sharing of WhatsApp statuses in Instagram and Facebook stories. However, the integration is left to the user and is deactivated by default.
Meta had already introduced the Accounts Center to standardize and link Facebook services in autumn 2020 and gradually rolled out this account overview worldwide. This allows the services to be operated together and enables single sign-on. For example, Facebook users can log in to Instagram with their account. This will also apply to WhatsApp in future, should the user decide to do so.
There is a reason why inclusion in the Accounts Center remains optional. In October last year, the Cartel Office ruled that Meta may not pool user data without being asked. After years of litigation, Meta committed to improvements and stricter data protection rules. This means that the US company is not allowed to merge and process users' personal information from various platform operator services such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram without their consent.
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One account overview for all Meta services
However, Meta naturally highlights the advantages of integrating WhatsApp into the account overview. For example, users no longer have to manually post a news item on various platforms if this WhatsApp status message is automatically shared on Facebook and Instagram. It will also be easier to reactivate WhatsApp on a new device, for example because after linking it to the Accounts Center, the user can also log in to WhatsApp via their Instagram or Facebook account. Meta is promising further functions for the future, such as standardized management of avatars and Meta's AI stickers.
WhatsApp-Integration in Meta Accounts Center (3 Bilder)
WhatsApp-Statusmeldung teilen
The data company promises that the WhatsApp account will remain separate from other services such as Facebook and Instagram if the user does not carry out the integration into the account overview themselves. In addition, even after linking with other meta services, chats and phone calls via WhatsApp will remain fully encrypted as before.
The integration of the WhatsApp account into the Accounts Center will be available worldwide. However, Meta points out that the company needs some time for the global rollout and that the function cannot be used everywhere immediately. Users will find the option in the WhatsApp settings or when they create a new status message in other apps.
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