WhatsApp Messaging Privacy Notice
Opus Accountancy Limited | Company Registration: 03956240
Effective Date: March 2026 | Version: 1.0
This notice explains how Opus Accountancy collects and uses your personal data when you communicate with us via WhatsApp. It supplements our main Privacy Policy.
What Data We Collect
When you communicate with us via WhatsApp, we collect:
- Your mobile phone number and WhatsApp display name
- Text messages, images, documents, and other media exchanged
- Message timestamps, delivery and read receipts
- A record of all messages in your conversation history
How We Use Your Data
| Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Responding to your enquiries and providing client services | Legitimate interest — managing the client relationship |
| Sharing documents, reminders, and updates about your account | Contract performance — fulfilling our engagement terms |
| Sending service notifications (e.g. filing deadlines, document requests) | Legitimate interest — ensuring you meet statutory obligations |
| Sending pre-approved template messages outside the 24-hour service window | Consent — you may opt out at any time |
Who Processes Your Data
Your messages are transmitted through the WhatsApp Business Platform operated by Meta Platforms Ireland Limited. Meta processes message content for delivery purposes and may transfer data outside the UK/EEA under Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the UK ICO.
Meta's privacy policy: whatsapp.com/legal/privacy-policy
We do not sell, rent, or share your WhatsApp data with any other third parties except where required by law.
How Long We Keep Your Data
WhatsApp messages are stored securely in our practice management system on encrypted UK-based servers. We retain message data for the duration of your client relationship plus seven years, in line with HMRC record-keeping requirements and our ICAEW professional obligations.
You may request earlier deletion where no legal or regulatory obligation requires retention.
Service Window
WhatsApp Business operates a 24-hour service window: after you message us, we may reply freely for 24 hours. Outside this window, we may only contact you using pre-approved message templates reviewed by Meta.
Opting Out
You can stop receiving WhatsApp messages at any time by:
- Sending us "STOP" or "Unsubscribe"
- Emailing web@opus-accountancy.co.uk
- Calling 01244 44 55 99
Opting out will not affect your client relationship — we will continue to communicate via email, phone, or post.
Your Rights
You have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, port, or object to processing of your data. See our main Privacy Policy for full details, or contact privacy@opus-accountancy.co.uk. You may also complain to the ICO at ico.org.uk.
Opus Accountancy Limited, Bretton House, Bell Meadow Business Park, Park Lane, Pulford, Chester CH4 9EP