WhatsApp will still implement its controversial new privacy policy
WhatsApp will still implement the new privacy policy unchanged, although, in this form, it has already caused massive negative reactions from people. The company said it would notify users of the new privacy policy “in the coming weeks” and provide additional information about the changes before requiring them to agree to the new terms.
In the coming weeks, we will be showing a banner on WhatsApp with additional information that people can read at their own pace,” WhatsApp wrote on its blog. – We have also included additional information to try and resolve emerging concerns. Eventually, we will start reminding people to review and accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp. ”
Simultaneously, the new rules regarding user privacy remained the same as in January – their implementation was delayed due to growing backlash. A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed that users would ultimately be required to agree to the new terms starting May 15 when the new policy takes effect.
The updated privacy policy reflects Facebook’s latest commerce steps. For WhatsApp, this means expanding business messaging tools and adding new shopping features to the app. The new rules detail Facebook’s role in facilitating these interactions. As The New York Times pointed out last month, the new policy could result in interactions with companies through WhatsApp, affecting ads that appear on Facebook.
In general, nothing criminal. But WhatsApp made the change without warning from users, along with a general distrust of Facebook, which caused a widespread backlash. Many interpreted the update as Facebook’s desire to receive personal data from WhatsApp users without the option or opt-out. But, as the same New York Times reporters noted in January, in fact, Facebook already had the ability to collect quite a bit of information about what people do on WhatsApp.
It is unclear whether the warnings and clarifications will be enough to mitigate the reputational damage. The scandal’s aftermath has sparked a surge of interest in alternative messaging apps like Signal and Telegram. In a blog post on Thursday, WhatsApp even mentioned this interest in competing services, saying it understands some people’s desire to rate other apps. However, the company also noted that alternative services might be less reliable and secure than WhatsApp. “Other apps say they are better because they receive less information than WhatsApp,” the company said. – We believe that people are looking for apps that are both reliable and secure, even if WhatsApp required to obtain a certain amount of data users “.
