Should You Trust WhatsApp with Your Email? Weighing Privacy Concerns and Benefits

WhatsApp is now allowing users to add their email addresses to their accounts, but the question remains; Should you trust Meta with your email address so easily? This new feature aims to enhance security, but given Meta’s history with data breaches, users might want to proceed with caution.

A Look at Meta’s Track Record

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, suffered a significant data breach in 2021 that exposed the personal information of over 500 million users, including email addresses and phone numbers. This breach led to a surge in phishing attempts via email and SMS. Given this history, it’s understandable that users might hesitate to share their email addresses with WhatsApp.

The Purpose Behind Adding Email Addresses in WhatsApp

Despite these concerns, the primary reason WhatsApp is encouraging users to add their email addresses is for enhanced security. This additional layer of verification helps ensure that users can confirm their identity when setting up WhatsApp on a new device. Previously, users relied solely on their phone numbers to receive activation codes via SMS. With the new update, these codes can also be sent to a verified email address.

Adding an email address to your WhatsApp account also allows for two-step authentication, a security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access. This involves setting up a six-digit PIN that users must enter when logging in. If you forget your PIN, the email address you provided can be used to reset it.

How to Add Your Email Address and Enable Two-Step Authentication

To add your email address and set up two-step authentication on WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the three-dot menu in the top right-hand corner.
2. Go to “Settings” and select “Account.”
3. Choose “Two-step authentication” and press “Turn on.”
4. Enter a six-digit PIN. You will be prompted to enter this PIN regularly to ensure you don’t forget it.
5. Enter your email address. This step can be skipped if you prefer not to use the email reset option, but it’s recommended for added security.
6. Confirm your email address and select “Save” or “Done.”

It’s important to note that the email address you provide won’t be verified with a test email, so make sure to enter it correctly.

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Pokdepinion: While the new email verification feature on WhatsApp offers enhanced security, users should weigh the benefits against the potential risks given Meta’s past data breaches. By following the steps to enable two-step authentication and carefully managing your email address, you can better protect your account from unauthorized access.