What are the data retention policies for phone numbers on WhatsApp?

[muskanhossain]

WhatsApp's data retention policies for phone numbers are intertwined with its overall data handling practices, which are outlined in its Privacy Policy. Here's a breakdown of how phone numbers are treated:

1. Account Creation and Necessity:

A mobile phone number is mandatory to create a WhatsApp account. This number serves as your primary identifier on the platform.
WhatsApp retains your phone number for as long as you greece whatsapp number data have an active WhatsApp account. This is essential for providing the service, verifying your identity, and enabling communication with other users.
2. Usage and Connection Information:

WhatsApp collects information related to your usage of the services, including how you interact with others and the time, frequency, and duration of your activities. This is linked to your phone number.
Device and connection-specific information, such as your phone model, operating system, IP address, and mobile network details, are also collected and associated with your account.
3. Contact Uploads:

If you grant WhatsApp permission to access your address book, the phone numbers of your contacts (both WhatsApp users and non-users) are uploaded to WhatsApp's servers.
For non-users, WhatsApp states that this information is managed in a way designed to prevent their identification. This often involves hashing the phone numbers.
This contact information helps WhatsApp identify which of your contacts are on the platform and facilitates contact discovery.
4. Account Deletion:

When you delete your WhatsApp account, WhatsApp states that it deletes your account information, profile photo, and removes you from all WhatsApp groups.
Undelivered messages are also deleted from their servers.
The Privacy Policy indicates that WhatsApp retains information only as long as it needs it to provide services and for legal obligations. Once the information is no longer required, it is deleted within a reasonable timeframe.