Zomato has addressed concerns surrounding the company’s new contact-sharing feature, emphasising that customers can withdraw consent at any time.The feature, introduced to create a direct link between restaurant partners and customers, allows users to share their phone numbers with restaurants for marketing and promotional updates.In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, the chief executive of food delivery at Zomato, Aditya Mangla, acknowledged that previously shared contact details cannot be retrieved due to technical limitations. However, customers can stop further sharing by withdrawing consent within the app. Once consent is withdrawn, Zomato will no longer share phone numbers with new restaurants for future orders.
“Following up on my earlier post about our restaurant contact-sharing feature. One clarification that’s important: Customers can withdraw consent at any time. Yes, phone numbers already shared with restaurants can’t be “unshared”—that’s technically not possible once data has been transmitted,” he wrote.“But the moment you opt out, no further sharing happens with any restaurant you order from. That’s it. Future orders, future restaurants—your number stays with us,” he added.Sharing the screenshot, Mangla described the steps to follow to withdraw their consent.To do so, users can follow these steps:
– Visit the profile- Tap “Hear from restaurants”- Hit “Stop sharing now”He added that the move aimed to provide restaurant partners with a direct line to customers while giving users control over their data.The feature has sparked debate, with some users welcoming the transparency and others expressing concerns over privacy and potential spam.Earlier, in another post on LinkedIn, Mangla shared that the company was in the ‘early stages’ of introducing this optional opt-in setting. He posted a screenshot that read, “Share your phone number with restaurants you order from, to receive offers directly from them? Once shared, this info cannot be withdrawn. By consenting, you agree to the T&C and Privacy Policy.”The feature sparked debate online, with some users welcoming the transparency and others expressing concerns over privacy and potential spam.”Appreciate the transparency here… letting users choose feels fair. Curious to see how customers respond,” a user said. While an individual highlighted fear of misuse: “Sharing my number directly makes me uncomfortable. It would be better if restaurants could send offers via the Zomato app instead of calling or WhatsApping me.”Following these reactions, the food delivery platform has now issued a clarification that customers can withdraw consent at any time.
