WhatsApp gives clarification on Privacy Policy through status update
Popular instant messaging app WhatsApp which is facing heavy backlash for changes in the privacy policy clarified its stance through status update. There is a concern around the world that WhatsApp can share users’ data with Facebook. In such a situation, WhatsApp is constantly trying to convince the users that the new policy does not pose any threat to the private data of the users. The company spoke first by giving big advertisements on social media platforms and then in newspapers. Now the company has adopted a new way to explain the privacy rules to the users. WhatsApp is now reaching the users through its Status feature and is trying to explain the privacy rules. This will probably be the first time WhatsApp has implemented a status on its own. However, there is no option of reply in these status updates.
WhatsApp has posted a story of 4 slides, stating that the company does not share the contact or location of the users with Facebook and cannot read or listen to their messages. The first slide of the WhatsApp story reads, ‘We are committed to your privacy’. The second slide reads, ‘WhatsApp cannot read or hear your personal conversations, because they are end to end encrypted.’ At the same time, the third slide says, ‘WhatsApp cannot see your shared location.’ And the last slide claimed that ‘WhatsApp does not share your contacts with Facebook’.
Date for introduction of new policy extended
On the other hand, WhatsApp has postponed the policy changes till May 15. WhatsApp has written in a blog post that the date of granting its approval on the terms of the policy update for users is being extended. Earlier, WhatsApp had set the last date for sanctioning the policy on 8 February 2021. WhatsApp said, ‘There is a lot of confusion about our recent updates. A lot of misinformation is spreading, which is a matter of concern.’ Since the decision of the new policy, a large number of users are creating accounts on apps like Telegram and Signal.
