WhatsApp has recently updated its privacy policy regarding user data and the new developments have caused some controversy. If you concerned about how your data is used, you need to be aware of WhatsApp’s new privacy policy.
You have until February 8 to accept these changes or else stop using the Facebook-owned messaging platform. But before you accept these new terms and conditions, you have to keep a few things in your mind.
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy expands on how the user data will be shared with Facebook and other third-party apps.
Let’s know everything in more detail now.
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy
To begin with, the open declaration of WhatsApp’s “strong privacy principles’ is no longer there. The following lines, which existed in the older version of the privacy policy, no longer exist:
“Since we started WhatsApp, we’ve aspired to build our Services with a set of strong privacy principles in mind.”
WhatsApp’s new privacy policy suggests a stronger dependence on Facebook. So if you are using any other Facebook product, chances are that they will receive the data.
However, the end-to-end encryption stays, so WhatsApp can’t see or share your messages with anyone.
Data that WhatsApp collects
Third-party users have access to information like your IP address or even the simple fact that you are a WhatsApp user. Also, WhatsApp will hold the information like status, group icons, online status of a user, duration of activities.
Hardware data like battery status, signal strength, app version, mobile network, phone number, ISP, the device information will also be held by WhatsApp.
So if you are using Google drive to back up your chats, then these services will also have access to your messages.
Why this is troubling
The biggest reason why this is troubling most experts is the way WhatsApp is abusing its dominance over the market.
Although every company uses user data for improving their products and services, WhatsApp’s attitude is worrisome. It has given its users ultimatum to either accept the new policy or lose their WhatsApp accounts.
Founder and CEO of SHEROES, Sairee Chahal said, “Every such update gives me shivers. A company so callous in its data history and mis-selling record has all of our personal data and intent from WhatsApp. A privacy nightmare hegemony.”
A WhatsApp spokesperson said, “Our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service update now includes offering Facebook as yet another option among the various Business Service Providers.”
Given how widely WhatsApp is used, WhatsApp has indirectly made it a compulsion for the users to share their data.
It’s basically the “take it or leave it” approach that has made most users and experts unhappy about WhatsApp’s new privacy policy.
Know this before taking any decision
So what if you are now sceptical of using WhatsApp as your primary messaging app? Whether you choose to share your data and continue using WhatsApp or opt-out of it, keep a few things in your mind.
If you decide to switch to some other app, then merely deleting WhatsApp from phone won’t be enough to secure your data.
The policy states, “When you delete your account, it does not affect your information related to the groups you created or the information other users have relating to you, such as their copy of the messages you sent to them.”
So if you are thinking about wiping your data off WhatsApp, you will have to work a lot harder than merely uninstalling the app.
So now you have till February 8 to make your decision. If decide not to accept these changes, then your account will be deleted, but not your data.
So make an informed choice and keep in mind the fact that WhatsApp is now completely a Facebook product.
Until next time!
So weird!