WhatsApp has recently drawn attention after an international group of plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit alleging the platform maintains a “backdoor” to private communications. The Meta-owned messaging service has strongly denied the claim, reiterating that personal chats and calls remain protected by end-to-end encryption.
However, WhatsApp also clarifies that activity within the Updates tab — which includes Status and Channels — works differently. According to the company’s official FAQ, limited user information related to usage, engagement, and advertising may be collected when people interact with these features.
Here is a clear breakdown of what data may be gathered and how it is used.
📊 Data WhatsApp Collects from Status and Channels
When you use the Updates feature, WhatsApp may process certain additional information tied to your activity.
✅ When you post or view Status updates
This may include:
- Details about the status you share
- Status updates you view or react to
- Timing and engagement patterns
- Basic interaction metadata
WhatsApp says this helps improve feature performance and user experience.
✅ If you are a Channel Admin
Channel administrators may generate additional activity data, such as:
- Channel management actions
- Posting behavior
- Monetisation or subscription-related signals (where applicable)
✅ If you follow or view Channels
WhatsApp may note:
- Channels you browse
- Content interactions
- Follow or unfollow activity
- Engagement indicators
This information is primarily used to refine recommendations and improve the feature.
✅ If you subscribe to a Channel
For paid subscriptions, WhatsApp may process:
- Subscription status
- Limited payment-related information
- Subscriber interactions
Payments are typically handled by third-party payment partners.
✅ If ads appear in Status or Channels
The platform may use limited ad-related data, including:
- Ads viewed
- Ad clicks or engagement
- General usage patterns
The company maintains that ad processing is separate from private message content.
✅ If you link WhatsApp to Accounts Center
Connecting your account to Meta’s Accounts Center may enable sharing of certain account-level details to support:
- Cross-platform features
- Account management
- Security controls
🛠 How WhatsApp Uses Your Information
According to the company, user data is processed in line with legal requirements and privacy commitments. Key purposes include:
🔹 Delivering and improving services
- Running platform features
- Enhancing user experience
- Maintaining performance
🔹 Based on user consent
Where permission is given, data may support optional features or personalisation.
🔹 Legitimate business interests
WhatsApp says some processing is necessary for business operations, provided user privacy rights are respected.
🔹 Safety and protection
Information may also help:
- Detect fraud
- Prevent misuse
- Protect users and the platform
📌 Usage-Specific Data Handling in the Updates Tab
How your data is used depends on your activity:
- Status interactions: Measuring engagement and improving features
- Channel admins: Analytics and management tools
- Followers/viewers: Better content recommendations
- Subscribers: Managing payments and memberships
- Ads in Updates tab: Measuring ad relevance
- All users: Maintaining platform safety and performance
WhatsApp continues to emphasise that personal chats and calls remain end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to the company. However, when using Status and Channels within the Updates tab, limited activity data may be collected to support feature improvements, understand engagement, and manage advertising.
Users are advised to review their privacy settings regularly and stay informed about how their data is handled.
