WhatsApp would soon prevent users to read and send messages, along with making calls, who disagree or do not accept another updated terms of its Privacy Policy on the instant messaging application. The company is giving the public and all WhatsApp users until May 15, which is more than two months from now, to decide whether to share data and information.
Facebook has acquired WhatsApp in 2014 and has been pulling the strings for the instant messaging application, along with a string of its updated privacy policy for users since the beginning of the year. The start of 2021 marked the changes in WhatsApp policies which would allow Facebook to gather data and information for cross-platform needs.
Since the updated terms and policies of the instant messaging app, many users have been observing a boycott against WhatsApp in favor of other open-sourced messaging applications, also with end-to-end encryption. These applications include Telegram, Wickr.Me, and Signal Messenger which was even promoted by Elon Musk last January.
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WhatsApp Privacy Policy: FAQ Reveals Deadline for Agreeing to Terms
According to a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page from WhatsApp, an "Effective Date" was established by the company for people to "review" the latest privacy policy of the messaging application. The application said that users should review the details of the Privacy Policy at their own "pace and convenience" to fully understand the latest terms.
Disagreeing to the terms would render its users unable to use the essential needs and functions of the application including sending, receiving, and reading messages, along with making voice or video calls. After May 15, these terms would be enacted and observed, meaning that this is the deadline for users who still wants to continue using the application.
The reviewing time or "effective date" would give users enough time to either review and agree to WhatsApp's policies, or switch to another encrypted instant messaging application that transfers chat history. Many users have reported opting for the boycott of the Facebook-owned company, which allowed them to transfer records to other apps.
WhatsApp Privacy Policy Stands Tall Despite Boycott
SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: The WhatsApp messaging app is displayed on an Apple iPhone on May 14, 2019 in San Anselmo, California. Facebook owned messaging app WhatsApp announced a cybersecurity breach that makes users vulnerable to malicious spyware installation iPhone and Android smartphones. WhatsApp is encouraging its 1.5 billion users to update the app as soon as possible.
WhatsApp stands its ground in upholding the Privacy Policy that allows Facebook to access data and information, which sort of trades this in the cross-platform features of the application. Facebook's suite of apps includes its acquisition of Instagram, Oculus, and WhatsApp, along with its native-made applications including Facebook and Messenger.
Moreover, users who do not agree by May 15 have time after that date to accept the Privacy Policy of WhatsApp and Facebook on the platform. However, they are only given 120 days or almost four months to decide again, as account deletion would occur to the user.
Since the account would be rendered useless as it cannot send and receive messages, and make calls, it would soon be facing an impending deletion from WhatsApp.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Alonzo
