- WhatsApp has published another blog post with information about the new data protection regulations.
- The platform says users may need to consent to the update in order to continue using the messaging service.
- WhatsApp will be displaying a banner in the coming days that will provide more information to users.
WhatsApp posted a blog post reminding users that they may have to accept the controversial privacy update in order to continue using the messaging service.
The platform has a new plan that prompts users to review their terms of use and privacy policy. The Facebook company said it is now using the status function in the app to share its values and updates directly on WhatsApp.
“We previously received a lot of misinformation about this update and continue to work hard to clear up confusion,” wrote WhatsApp, commenting on the flak it received after it announced updates to its privacy policy in January.
New messaging, same conflicting language
WhatsApp admits it could have done things better, but at the same time hasn’t addressed any concerns about the unloved policy changes. For example the platform before asserts that it can’t see its users’ shared location, and neither can Facebook. However, the privacy policy still states:
We collect and use accurate location information from your device with your permission when you use location-based functions, e.g. For example, if you want to share your location with your contacts or want to see locations nearby or locations that others have shared with you. There are certain settings related to location information that you can find in your device settings or in the in-app settings, e.g. B. Location Sharing. Even if you don’t use our location-based features, we will use IP addresses and other information such as area codes for phone numbers to estimate your general location (e.g. city and country).
This is just one example of WhatsApp’s contradicting language in terms of privacy policy. The game it saw for the update had previously caused the company to delay its rollout.
Now WhatsApp says there will be a banner on the app in the coming days “that will provide more information for people to read at their own pace”.
“At some point we will remind people to review and accept these updates in order to keep using WhatsApp,” added the company.
A message for the WhatsApp slackers
WhatsApp spoke to users moving to other platforms like Telegram and Signal the following on its blog post:
We know 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 that responsibility with less information, not more.
What do you think of WhatsApp’s latest blog post? Are you convinced to stay on the platform again or are you still against the new privacy changes? Take our survey and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Also read: WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal: Which Messaging App Should You Use?