Opinions on WhatsApp? I used it long ago but quit after Facebook acquired it because the app requested unnecessary information, particularly all your contacts. Facebook doesn't have a particularly good reputation with privacy.

I looked again because it and FaceTime are the only alternative for video calls with an elderly relative. No Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Webex. FaceTime is Apple only, which leaves only WhatsApp. ...

..As soon as I installed it, it began asking for my contacts, which I refunded, thinking to test whether it was usable without such access.

Then I received a spam message - the only message I've received on the app. The scammer somehow found me in minutes despite my being listed nowhere and not using the app yet. I shudder to think what the spammers might do to all my friends if I turned over my address book.

What do you think? Is WhatsApp usable or is my best option to buy some Apple device?