How to minimise targeted ads on social media: WhatsApp (which is owned by Facebook)
It’s tough to minimise targeted ads on phones because ads can be delivered based on data from the device level (such as what operating system your phone is using or based on unique numbers that identify your phone), browser level (what you search for within a browser), and within the apps you use. An app could target ads at you based on your location (tied to your unique device id number(s)) for example. Apps, including Instagram, direct you to opt-out of targeted ads at the device level. Here's how to limit device level tracking.
The screenshots below outline some steps you can take to minimise the data you share on WhatsApp. The company announced changes to group privacy (details here) but we are not currently (as of 14/05/19) able to see these changes (PI is UK-based).
1. Click on Settings
2. Tap Account
3. Tap Privacy
4. You can limit how much data you share publicly here. This is also where you may be able to adjust your group privacy settings [Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups].
