A mistake exists that might reveal all of your WhatsApp conversations to an arbitrary stranger. Changing your phone number is as easy as that.
Although it’s not a widespread issue, it does affect data privacy.
According to WhatsApp, even though it’s fairly uncommon, it can happen.
Because of a practice called “phone number recycling,” this mistake might happen. Users receive a new phone number at this point, and their old number is given to a different person.
Mobile phone lines operators frequently carry out this.
However, the person with your new number will eventually receive your messages if you haven’t deleted the WhatsApp account associated with that number.
“If for some reason you no longer want to use WhatsApp tied to a particular phone number, then the best thing to do is transfer it to a new phone number or delete the account within the app.”
“We take many steps to prevent people receiving unwanted messages, including expiring accounts after a period of sustained inactivity,” A WhatsApp spokesperson informed The Register.
If the previous owner of the number didn’t disconnect it from their WhatsApp account, people might end up receiving both private and business messages through WhatsApp.
“In all cases, we strongly encourage people to use two-step verification for added security,” the spokesperson added.
“In the extremely rare circumstances where mobile operators quickly re-sell phone lines faster than usual, these additional layers help keep accounts safe.” The spokesperson explained.
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