A few days ago, WhatsApp rolled out a notification saying that it will be updating its privacy policy on the 8th of February. Users were informed that the messaging app is shaking hands with Facebook, and their data will be handled differently. Obviously, the news didn’t sit well with many users who are now weighing their options.
The article on the Guardian says,
the announcement also underscores a truth that many had been reluctant to acknowledge: if you’re a WhatsApp user, you’re a Facebook customer, and while the two services have historically been quite distinct, the process of integration only moves in one direction.
The messenger app has come under intense scrutiny from its users across the globe. On Tuesday, WhatsApp finally addressed the matter and cleared the air regarding its latest privacy policy.
Given the chaos among WhatsApp’s users, the Facebook-owned messenger app tweeted today saying, “We want to address some rumours and be 100% clear. We continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption.” The new policy that will come in effect next month will not affect the user’s private communication with “friends or family”.
Our privacy policy update does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family. Learn more about how we protect your privacy as well as what we do NOT share with Facebook here: https://t.co/VzAnxFR7NQ
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 12, 2021
The head of WhatsApp at Facebook Will Cathcart also tweeted. He said in a tweet, “Today we’re answering some common questions we’ve received [regarding] WhatsApp.”
Today we're answering some common questions we've received @WhatsApp. Our policy update describes business communication and adds transparency. It does not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family.
Learn more and share please: https://t.co/Kx2LVx4J8g https://t.co/urp6AztLxB
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) January 12, 2021
He also shared a link to WhatsApp page answering FAQs. The most common questions are as follows:
Can WhatsApp/Facebook Access Your Private Messages or Hear Your Calls?
Does WhatsApp Keep Tabs of Who You Are Messaging or Calling?
Can WhatsApp/Facebook See Your Shared Location?
Does WhatsApp Share Your Contacts with Facebook?
Are WhatsApp Groups Private?
Can You Still Set Messages to Disappear?
The change in terms and conditions has obviously shocked WhatsApp users. They are still questioning the reason behind WhatsApp sharing their data with Facebook. Many have started testing other texting apps such as Signal.
Here is a comparison between Signal and WhatsApp:
Tech billionaire, Elon Musk has endorsed the messaging app, Signal to users as it is secure and offers encrypted messaging service. The App has reportedly started ranking on Google Play and the App Store after Musk’s casual suggestion. Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Wow 360.
