WhatsApp just switched on encryption for a billion people

[bill]

The phone must have a data plan of some sort. The only other thing I could think of is that it's using WhatsApp over SMS. The Signal app does that.

[Chunkford]

I thought that it might have had some free credit on it but it doesn't.
I've tried sending an SMS but it doesn't deliver, nor can I make phone calls on it.
Well weird this, talk about getting a free ride.

BTW it's on Tescos Mobile if anyone is interested

[bill]

Can they send photos via WhatsApp? If so there must be a data plan of some sort.

[rcjordan]

[My daughter is the head of the math department at a private school and I sometimes communicate with her classes via emailed "posts" to her electronic chalkboard (Smartboard).  Just sent this.]

title it  "My dad says 'You just got pwned!'"

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/08/25/whatsapp_hands_your_phone_number_facebook/

[bill]

Oh well. That as an interesting experiment. Time to delete this one. I think FB already had my number anyway...no need to let their advertisers try to call me.

First I'm going to make sure I opt-out of their little scheme:
https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/general/26000016

[littleman]

Odd Chuck, not sure how that works.  It sounds like it is somehow just sending regular text messages, but via the WhatsApp network some how. 

BTW,  WhatsApp just announced yesterday that it is going to share phone numbers with the mothership Facebook.

[JasonD]

> How can this be?

Chunk, does it have a SIM in and if so, with what network?

I ask as some in the UK allow basic services like that, FB Messenger etc through for free.

[Chunkford]

Yea, it has a sim which came with the phone, and is on Tesco Mobile which is on the o2 network

[bill]

Here comes the FTC complaint
https://threatpost.com/privacy-groups-file-ftc-complaint-over-whatsapp-data-sharing-with-facebook/120218/

"WhatsApp has made a number of promises about the limited nature of the data it collects, maintains, and shares with third parties–promises that exceed the protections currently promised to Facebook users," Rich wrote. "We want to make clear that, regardless of the acquisition, WhatsApp must continue to honor these promises to consumers."

[barbara123]

As per WhatsApp faq end to end encryption is apply on every chats.
"When end-to-end encrypted, your messages, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, and calls are secured from falling into the wrong hands."
So it is more  beneficial.