WhatsApp has given users until February 8, 2021, to accept the new officially updated terms of service and privacy policy to continue using the messaging platform or to delete their accounts, which is a standard practice in the industry.
Other messaging apps like Signal and Telegram are seeing a sudden increase in demand as WhatsApp’s updated terms of service raised eyebrows.
Read: Amazon and Apple remove Parler – an alternative to Facebook and Twitter
WhatsApp, which uses Signal’s encryption technology, laid out fresh terms on Wednesday, asking users to agree to let owner Facebook Inc and its subsidiaries collect user data, including their phone number and location.
Over 100,000 users installed Signal across the app stores of Apple and Google in the last two days, while Telegram saw almost 2.2 million downloads, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower.
On the other hand, new WhatsApp installation fell 11% in the first seven days of 2021 compared with the previous week.
Read: ‘Signal’ an alternative to WhatsApp – Features and all you need to know
Highlights of the key changes in the new privacy policy and terms of service for WhatsApp
The WhatsApp message for users notes at the end, “By tapping AGREE, you accept the new terms and privacy policy, which take effect on February 8, 2021. After this date, you’ll need to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp. You can also visit the Help Center if you would prefer to delete your account and would like more information.”
The new privacy policy goes into detail on how WhatsApp shares information with Facebook, which was not there in the earlier version, at least in this new expanded form.
Regarding third-party service providers, WhatsApp’s privacy policy now mentions “other Facebook Companies” and how they work with them to support “services, such as to provide technical infrastructure, delivery and other systems; market our Services; conduct surveys and research for us; protect the safety, security and integrity of users and others; and assist with customer service.”
WhatsApp makes it clear that it is sharing information with “third-party service providers and other Facebook Companies in this capacity…”
“a third-party service or another Facebook Company Product linked through our Services, such as when you use the in-app player to play content from a third-party platform,” some information about WhatsApp users including IP address is shared with Facebook or the third-party service, according to the new policy.
The privacy policy had earlier stated that WhatsApp and the Facebook Group of companies, would share information, although it had noted, “your WhatsApp messages will not be shared onto Facebook for others to see. In fact, Facebook will not use your WhatsApp messages for any purpose other than to assist us in operating and providing our Services.” This particular bit is no longer in the privacy policy.
Some information is shared “internally within the Facebook Companies and externally with our partners and service providers, and with those with whom you communicate around the world, in accordance with this Privacy Policy.” This is not mentioned in the earlier privacy policy’s section on Global Operations
WhatsApp, however, said that the information will help to improve infrastructure and delivery systems, understanding how WhatsApp’s Services or theirs (Facebook and other Facebook companies) are used; promoting safety, security and integrity across the Facebook Company Products, e.g., securing systems and fighting spam, threats, abuse, or infringement activities.
WhatsApp said will be improving Facebook’s services and users experiences around them, such as making suggestions for users (for example, of friends or group connections, or interesting content), personalizing features and content, helping users complete purchases and transactions, and showing relevant offers and ads across the Facebook Company Products.
By: Ifunanya Ikueze
