Caution, WhatsApp users! This function endangers your data!

Caution, WhatsApp users! This function endangers your data!

Kassel, Deutschland - The popular Waschasapp messenger app is indispensable for millions of users. However, a frequently used function carries considerable data protection risks. With the generated link preview, which consists of image and heading, WhatsApp requires complete access to some user data. According to reports from Merkur and Gießener Anzeiger is sent a so-called GET-Request on the target, which unintentionally data like that IP address, the WhatsApp version and the operating system version are transmitted. This happens without the user actually visiting the page.

The unwanted data transfer can be used by cybercriminals because it provides information about the rough location of the user. In order to maintain your own anonymity, it is advisable to deactivate the link preview in the settings under "Data protection". This protective function is explicitly recommended for users who value their privacy. WhatsApp itself confirmed this in his FAQ and points out that on the left of other users the IP address is not affected, but the preview remains visible to the recipient.

data protection concerns when sharing links

The Link preview is generated by default, which is considered a practical function, the risk that personal data can be disclosed. Critics, including consumer advocates, express concerns about data security at WhatsApp. Despite the end-to-end encryption of messages that ensure that only the communicators can see the content, the question remains how secure the transmitted user data is. Experts therefore advise you to handle this function and recommend using alternative messenger services that better protect the privacy of users.