If you don’t succeed at first, try again. This is the approach that Facebook seems to be taking with its hugely popular WhatsApp messaging platform. After a rather disastrous global roll-out of its new privacy policy, which some users viewed as an attempt to remove more personal information from the secure chat app, WhatsApp pushed the deadline to agree to the new fine print by three months. With that deadline now in sight, WhatsApp has launched a second push to get users to agree to the updated terms and conditions.
After the outcry of fans in January, when millions of WhatsApp users deleted the messaging app and switched to competing chat apps like Signal and Telegram, WhatsApp wants to emphasize that the latest update to the terms and conditions does not allow parent company Facebook to shine More data from your personal chats. Instead, the change only affects conversations with a business account – for example, a customer care line for an online fashion brand. And even then, the data that can be accessed between these optional business account interactions does not apply in the UK or mainland Europe thanks to EU regulations.
With the changes ongoing, WhatsApp released a new blog post confirming that users are getting a new banner in-app encouraging them to learn more about the update and what is (and more importantly is what is not) to learn. To change. Unlike the first time, WhatsApp really writes that users’ messages remain encrypted throughout, which means everything is locked away so that no one on WhatsApp (or anyone who intercepts the text) can read the content except you and the intended recipient.
It’s worth noting, of course, that Facebook already has access to a number of data points from WhatsApp users. For example, when you register for a WhatsApp account, your cell phone number is sent to the parent company. Facebook can also display information about your mobile devices, including the make and model of the device you are using to access WhatsApp.
“As a reminder, we are developing new ways to chat or shop with a company on WhatsApp that are completely optional. Personal messages are always encrypted at all times so that WhatsApp cannot read or listen to them. In the coming weeks we will be displaying a banner on WhatsApp that will provide more information for users to read at their own pace. We also added more information to address any concerns we hear. Finally, we will remind people to review and accept these updates in order to keep using WhatsApp. “ the blog post explained.
The blog post not only clarifies what data will be visible to Facebook, but also encounters competing messaging platforms that have benefited from the recent backlash against WhatsApp. It adds, “We know that some people may try other apps to see what they have to offer. We have seen some of our competitors try to get away with claiming that they cannot see people’s messages. If an app doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption by default, it means they can read your messages.
“Other apps say they are better because they know even less information than WhatsApp. We believe that even when WhatsApp has limited data, people are looking for apps that are both reliable and secure. We strive to be thoughtful in our decisions, and we will continue to develop new ways to fulfill this responsibility with less information, not more. “
Telegram, one of the competing messaging apps that gained 25 million new users in a single day after implementing WhatsApp’s privacy policy, does not use end-to-end encryption by default. Instead, users must enable the optional “secret mode” to ensure that all of their text messages are protected from prying eyes.
While WhatsApp rightly points this out, another popular choice for those who turn their backs on WhatsApp, known as Signal, is widely considered to be safer as it exposes its code for review by experts around the world. It’s recommended by WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton, whistleblower Edward Snowden, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, to name a few of its cheerleaders.
Finally, WhatsApp has updated an FAQ on its website to confirm what will happen to those who decide against the new privacy policy. Despite rumors to the contrary, WhatsApp states that it will not delete your account, as well as chat history and associated data. In fact, you can still receive calls on WhatsApp for some time after the May deadline.
At some point (but WhatsApp doesn’t confirm how long you can continue to use parts of the service without agreeing to the new fine print) you’re completely cut off. It is made clear: “If you have not accepted by then, WhatsApp will not delete your account. However, you will not have the full functionality of WhatsApp until you accept it. You can receive calls and notifications for a short time, but you cannot read or send messages from the app. “
WhatsApp users now have until May 15, 2021 to agree to the new terms.
