The most popular messaging app “WhatsApp” has introduced new terms of service regarding its user data collection and its usage a few days ago.
WhatsApp users have shown concerns about the new changes in privacy policy. The users have to accept the new policy changes to keep using this most popular messaging app. Even the users, who are using this app for years, are thinking that now this app is not reliable anymore.
When you agree to the new terms means that you are allowing WhatsApp to share your private data with Facebook. This data includes your profile picture, groups, battery level, signal strength, app version, browser , network, contact details, etc. If you don’t accept these new changes, which are applicable from 8 February 2021, you will lose access to your chats and contacts.
Due to these controversial changes, Signal and Telegram apps are getting sudden popularity, especially in India. Tesla chief executive and world’s richest man Elon Musk has also asked the users to join Signal app instead. Edward Snowden has also endorsed using Signal app. We should keep in mind that WhatsApp is using Signal’s encryption technology.
“Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA. Since we started WhatsApp, we’ve aspired to build our Services with a set of strong privacy principles in mind.” This line is from an older version of WhatsApp privacy policy and it has been deleted now.
On the other hand, WhatsApp has issued a lengthy clarifying statement .
“As we announced in October, WhatsApp wants to make it easier for people to both make a purchase and get help from a business directly on WhatsApp. While most people use WhatsApp to chat with friends and family, increasingly people are reaching out to businesses as well. To further increase transparency, we updated the privacy policy to describe that going forward businesses can choose to receive secure hosting services from our parent company Facebook to help manage their communications with their customers on WhatsApp. Though of course, it remains up to the user whether or not they want to message with a business on WhatsApp.
The update does not change WhatsApp’s data sharing practices with Facebook. Itdoes not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family wherever they are in the world. WhatsApp remains deeply committed to protecting people’s privacy. We are communicating directly with users through WhatsApp about these changes. So that they have time to review the new policy over the course of the next month.” (https://www.theverge.com)