It’s still part of the Meta platform so not completely independent.

What information does WhatsApp share with the Meta Companies?

WhatsApp currently shares certain categories of information with Meta Companies. The information we share with the other Meta Companies includes your account registration information (such as your phone number), transaction data (for example, if you use Facebook Pay or Shops in WhatsApp), service-related information, information on how you interact with businesses when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address, and may include other information identified in the Privacy Policy section entitled ‘Information We Collect’ or obtained upon notice to you or based on your consent.

https://faq.whatsapp.com/1303762270462331