WhatsApp: New privacy policy update and its clarification

    

    India is a major market for WhatsApp, accounting for more than 400 million or 40 crore users, and the move could have major implications for the instant messaging app.

WhatsApp has recently released new updates for Android (2.20.206.24 web release for Android) and iOS (2.20.130 on the App Store). These updates are compatible today with a new feature that will help WhatsApp to announce specific information.

WhatsApp has announced a specific change for its Android and iPhone users via an App Notice. This announcement provides an overview of the changes that WhatsApp has brought to its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It also offers the option to accept the update directly via a full-screen notice.

As for changes, WhatsApp's updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service provide additional information on how WhatsApp collects and handles users' information.

With Transactions and Payments information, there are new sections including Location Details. WhatsApp has also added information about the business contacts that take place through its messaging platform.

After all, one of the most significant changes in both the updated Privacy Policy and the Terms of Service - there is also information on how information is shared with WhatsApp, Facebook and its affiliates.

Prior to the latest update, existing users were given the option to choose not to share their WhatsApp account information on Facebook. However, this time there seems to be no such thing.

The updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service will take effect on February 8, 2021, so WhatsApp will notify its users of this by a notice. Users will then have to "compulsorily" accept the specific update in order to continue using WhatsApp on their phone.

WhatsApp changes unacceptable: Poll

According to the poll conducted by leading English news app Inshorts, 47 percent respondents said that they would not accept the policy and will look for alternatives of the messaging app (like Telegram and Signal). Only about 14 percent respondents did not see any privacy concerns, saying they will accept and continue using WhatsApp.

WhatsApp clarifies on updated privacy policy

WhatsApp users have raised security issues ever since the Facebook-owned messaging app has updated its new privacy policy. However, WhatsApp has now released an official statement clearing the air about the rumours and speculations surrounding new terms of service and policies. WhatsApp has said that the policy update does not affect users’ privacy with friends or family.

WhatsApp users in India and elsewhere are looking forward to join either Telegram or Signal, but are currently confused which app to choose from. At about 500 million users globally and growing, Telegram has become a major problem for WhatsApp. What do you think, Which app is best alternative to WhatsApp?