WhatsApp Clarifies Privacy Policy Change, Publishes What It Can and Can't Do After Update

The whole WhatsApp privacy policy update fiasco has taken over the internet with many of the app's two billion users finding the policy update a little worrisome, fearing their privacy won't be as secure as it did when they first signed up for the messaging app.

WhatsApp Clarifies New Policy

After a while, the company has finally clarified the update, specifically what and what the app can't do in hopes of retaining its users.

According to TechRadar, WhatsApp has published a post on their official Twitter account saying that they want to address the rumors and "be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption."

Along with that is an infographic of the things the app will and will not do.

Based on the posted photo, WhatsApp remains adamant that it cannot see its users' private messages nor hear their conversations through your phone's speakers, and this is the same with Facebook, the company that previously bought the messaging app and the biggest reason behind the policy change.

Moreover, it says that it doesn't keep logs of who you are calling or messaging, nor does it see the locations you shared.

Apparently, neither does Facebook.

But according to the online news outlet, that part seems contradictory with the app's privacy policy, specifically in the section that states: "We collect and use precise location information from your device with your permission when you choose to use location-related features, like when you decide to share your location with your contacts or view locations nearby or locations others have shared with you."

'Does Not Affect Privacy'

WhatsApp groups will also remain private, and most of all, they will not share your private data with Facebook, but you still set your messages to disappear after the recipient reads them and that you can download your data if you wish.

Users can also check out the app's dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to know more about the update and what to expect.

Again, the Facebook-owned company reassured the public that the policy change does not affect the privacy of their messages in any way, and instead, it would change the business side of WhatsApp, which is optional, as per the team.

Now that the company has made some clarifications, will the public forgive and forget?

Moving to Signal and Telegram

It seems like the public outcry for the death of WhatsApp's user privacy has gone a little too deep, with many not agreeing with how the policy was rolled out.

Basically, WhatsApp users are left with no choice but to agree to the new terms and conditions or they would risk terminating their account--something that does not sit well with the users.

With the whole policy update, users have begun turning to WhatsApp's rival apps Signal and Telegram, with the former getting endorsement from the richest man himself, Elon Musk, who also vowed to provide Signal with more funds.

WhatsApp users have until February 8 to agree to the new terms, or else they may lose their accounts.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by: Nhx Tingson