[sagher]

@sagher  It's a hot issue every where, however like @tiwil  I haven't received any notifications .... yet .... from whatsapp.  

I'm a huge skeptic, and wonder whether this "issue" is presently being exploited big time by Telegram and Signal owners.  Like the herd mentality of getting to panic every one so they can move from WhatsApp to Telegram and Signal, without really needing to do so.

I'm glad the "scare" happened in a way, but common sense says that WhatsApp will try to do major damage control.  And will be careful to give its users a choice.  I've already seen that in official Web Notices from Whatsapp.

I've decided I'm not doing anything until I either receive a notification from WhatsApp that looks potentially damaging to me, or I receive any notifications from Facebook in my WhatsApp App.  I completely deleted Facebook links from my phone since 2016.  So if I should see Facebook come up in my WhatsApp, that will be the moment I will take decisive action.  But it should be action that is well thought through.

Bottom line, nothing is really FREE. And technically nothing is PRIVATE on the Internet - any one thinking that is living in a world of illusion. We had a very good ride with WhatsApp, until it was sold to Facebook a few years ago.  Since then we've been living on borrowed time.  Common sense tells me for places like Telegram and Signal to compete, once they've got the "panic" herds signed up with them and feel secure with their numbers, they will move in the same direction as Zuckerman wants WhatsApp to move with Facebook.  Everything is always in a mode of change, and always in the direction of greed, corruption and where money talks.

Yes @deanhills:
I also ask this question that why the news is specifically mention Telegram & Signal. why only those two chat messengers. even many many other are available in market e.g. BB messenger is much safer. i am not sure about there current info but i use it in past. even many more other chat hubs. however i also fan of Telegram because of his some special features like 2GB video upload, able to run channel for info sharing. collect calls etc .. but these news also aware me as you said.
So if you like to be protected. turn off your Location service most probably. if you like to install any app which wants extra permissions then avoid to install it. like if you install any Tv channel app or any news app and they ask for your storage and location permission and your contact and log permission then it's on you to think about it why they need your contacts and log info and your location info as it is only a news broadcast platform. 
login on Facebook using your cell phone number is also not a safe way. use google or yahoo id for it. 
use a alternate sim card number if you need to register on any messenger.