Facebook-owned WhatsApp is officially becoming part of its parent company's vast surveillance regime, the company said in a Thursday press that announced it would begin collecting names and telephone numbers of those who use the application.

"People use our app every day to keep in touch with the friends and loved ones who matter to them, and this isn't changing," WhatsApp said in a press release. "But as we announced earlier this year, we want to explore ways for you to communicate with businesses that matter to you too, while still giving you an experience without third-party banner ads and spam."