WhatsApp¡¯s Privacy Policy update definitely shook most of us, when it decided to implement its new policies from February 8, 2021.?
This caused many to freak out about their chats and data being shared with the parent company Facebook, resulting in a digital mass-exodus, forcing WhatsApp users to shift to more secure alternatives such as Signal or Telegram.
Also Read:?After Global Criticism, WhatsApp Delays New Privacy Policy By Three Months
Seeing the uproar, it pushed the dates for accepting the privacy policy to May 15, while reiterating what data it will be taking from its users, and assuring them that their private chats with friends and family will still be protected by end-to-end encryption.?
WhatsApp said in a statement, ¡°The information we share with the other Facebook 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.¡±?
Also Read:?Indian Antitrust Body Investigating WhatsApp For Its Privacy Policy Change
Surprisingly, despite the app being under scrutiny by the Indian anti-trust body, WhatsApp isn¡¯t budging from its deadline of May 15 for accepting the privacy policy.?
WhatsApp?in its FAQs surrounding the new privacy policy has stated that users have until May 15 to accept the new terms and conditions. If they fail to do so, the app will start to limit its features for the users.?
The app will allow users to use the app for another 120 days (as revealed by the company in a conversation with TechCrunch). But in this duration, it will start limiting its services.The texting app will allow users to receive calls and notifications for the texts but it would restrict the user from replying to conversations.?
At the end of the 120-day period, non-acceptance of the privacy policy would result in WhatsApp deleting the user¡¯s account, resulting in loss of chats, call logs.
Users will still have the option to sign up using their same number, but this will be a fresh registration. Moreover, users will only be able to sign in after they¡¯ve accepted the new terms and agreements.? ? ? ??
Would you accept WhatsApp updated policies or prefer switching to another texting app? Tell us in the comments below.