There’s issue with metadata & the requirement of sharing one’s address book to use WhatsApp. I wouldn’t be surprised if it too like Signal required users have a Android/iOS primary device & a phone number or you can’t use the service which has privacy implications but also feeds the mobile OS duopoly as you can’t choose another OS (or to just not have a phone).
It does require a phone number. Alternative clients are banned by terms of service which means you can only choose the platforms they support which means iOS or Android.
reply