WhatsApp confirms plan to go ahead with new privacy policy

Facebook’s popular messaging app, WhatsApp, made waves after announcing a controversial privacy policy that sent the world into panic mode.

After a global outcry, the messaging app put the new policy on ice, but has confirmed this week that it will be going ahead with the change, but will allow users to read the new changes and accept the policy at "their own pace", while also displaying a banner providing additional information.

In January, the app shared an update revealing that its new privacy policy will allow them to share limited user data with Facebook and its group firms.

After a public outcry, users flocked to rival platforms Telegram and Signal. The move prompted WhatsApp to delay this new policy until May 2021 in a bid to clarify that the update would be amended to focus on allowing users to message with businesses and would not affect personal conversations.

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WhatsApp announced its plan to continue rolling out this policy update in a new blog, stating: “In the coming weeks, we’ll display a banner in WhatsApp providing more information that people can read at their own pace. We’ve also included more information to try and address concerns we’re hearing. Eventually, we’ll start reminding people to review and accept these updates to keep using WhatsApp.” 

According to Engadget, the updated privacy policy addresses Facebook’s recent push into commerce. For WhatsApp, this has meant an expansion of the app’s business messaging tools and the addition of new shopping features within the app.

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WhatsApp has admitted that while users may opt to use other messaging apps, they are doing everything in their power to continue being the world’s biggest and best messaging app. “Other apps say they’re better because they know even less information than WhatsApp,” the company said. “We believe people are looking for apps to be both reliable and safe, even if that requires WhatsApp having some limited data.”

Are you nervous about WhatsApp’s new privacy policy? Will you be moving to a different app? Let Vic know in the comments section below.

Image courtesy: Pixabay