In order to clear the confusion and chaos, whatsApp notified that it is delaying the implementation of the new privacy policy till May 2021. In the prescribed time of three months, it is advised for the users to review the guidelines of new policy efficiently from a reputed source. WhatsApp informed that the new privacy policy will come into effect from May 15 onwards. Let’s have a view how all this initiated and talk about it’s current situation.
An updated privacy policy enactment on January 4
In the beginning of new year 2021, whatsApp updated it’s privacy policy and asked users to accept the new policy before february 8. The terms of service included that whatsApp will share data with Facebook and third parties. This statement created chaos in the minds of users who are having a sense of security in terms of privacy of their data.Moreover, after this announcement, many users started using Signal or Telegram due to privacy issues.
WhatsApp interpretation towards the issue
Since many users started using Signal and Telegram as they are more privacy oriented messaging apps. WhatsApp shed a light on the privacy concerns of users and clarified that both whatsApp and facebook cannot have access to private messages or calls of the users. They declared that all the messages are end-to-end encrypted and all the data is fully secured. Moreover, they can’t even have access to view the shared location or sharing of contacts with facebook.WhatsApp clarified that the new policy will help small businesses to expand to share agreed data with facebook in order to expand the network of small businesses.
Extension of Privacy Policy Agreement by WhatsApp
With a view to clear out all the uncertainty and confusion, whatsApp extended the deadline to accept the new privacy policy by users to May 16. Earlier, it was february 8 with an assurance that account of users will not be deleted on february 8. “Our point is to give transparency and new choices accessible to draw in with organizations so they can serve their clients and develop. WhatsApp will consistently secure individual messages with end-to end encryption so neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can see them. We are attempting to address falsehood and stay accessible to respond to any inquiries”- representative or member of whatsApp.
A quick overview
It should be noted that whatsApp is completely concerned about the privacy of users and to retain its market position in the market. Latest statement regarding the new privacy policy was given as follows-
“We’re now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8. We’re also going to do a lot more to clear up the misinformation around how privacy and security works on WhatsApp. We’ll then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15,” the company said in a new blogpost.
