WhatsApp has decided to implement its new privacy policy from February 8, 2021, provoking an uproar from the instant messaging app users.
Many users are worried that their chats and data are being shared with their parent company Facebook. The new policy results from a digital public exit, forcing WhatsApp users to switch to safer options like Signal or Telegram.
In the wake of the uproar, it extended the privacy policy approval date to May 15. It confirmed what data would be taken from its users, assuring them that private conversations with their friends and family will protect by end-to-end encryption.
“The information we share with other Facebook companies includes your account registration information (such as your mobile number), transaction data (for example, if you use Facebook Pay or a store on WhatsApp), services -Additional information, information about how you communicate, our services, mobile device information, your IP address, and ‘other information we collect’ identified in the Privacy Policy section or received by you on the notification. May include other information obtained or obtained with your consent, “WhatsApp said in a statement.
WhatsApp has said in its Frequently Asked Questions about its new privacy policy that users have until May 15 to receive the new terms and conditions. If they fail to do so, the app will begin limiting its features to users.
WhatsApp will allow users to use the app for another 120 days. But within that period, it will begin to limit its services. This app will allow users to receive calls and notifications for texts, but this will prevent the user from responding to the conversation.
At the end of the 120 days, not-acceptance the privacy policy will delete the WhatsApp user’s account, resulting in loss of call logs and chats.
The user can still register using the same number, but this will be a new registration. Also, users can log in only after accepting the new terms and conditions.