Every app has its terms and conditions, so as WhatsApp. The app has been trending these weeks because of their new privacy and policy, which Is yet to be rolled out.
WhatsApp was getting two billion monthly active users in the year 2020, and this tells you that many people worldwide use the app.
The popular messaging app decided to update its privacy and policy, and on 6 January the company rolled out the new privacy and policy.
The new terms will ask users to either share their data with its parent company or delete their WhatsApp accounts.
When it rolled out, it raised a lot of tension, because many people already suspect Facebook to be selling it’s users data, and now WhatsApp is again going to send their data to Facebook.
The news triggered many people to move to a more secure and reliable messaging app, and the two apps that saw a massive number of installs were Telegram and Signal.
I believe you might have heard many stories about this new privacy and policy, but what is new in this new privacy and policy terms?
The new policy is asking WhatsApp users to share their data with Facebook, and such data includes phone numbers, username, IP address, location, mobile network, browser information and time spent on WhatsApp.
This policy has been existing already, but users had the option to opt-out. But now, WhatsApp is asking its users to either opt-in or will have no option again than to delete their WhatsApp accounts by 8 February 2021.
So why this strict policy from WhatsApp?
This is because the app needs to generate money for Facebook.
Facebook is a business, and the company makes money from advertising.
The Facebook company owns WhatsApp and WhatsApp is currently not giving Facebook revenue that much so this move is basically for Facebook to get WhatsApp users data and then use it for advertising (which will bring in money for the company).
So Who Is Going To Benefit From This New Policy?
It is Facebook and advertisers. Facebook will get more data about WhatsApp users, and advertisers will be able to use this to target their customers.
Does this new privacy and policy allow WhatsApp or Facebook to see users messages?
No, the new policy on focus on you allowing WhatsApp to share your data with Facebook and nothing more, neither WhatsApp nor Facebook will be able to see your messages.
The chats you have on the messaging app is encrypted between you and the receiver.
So why are many people leaving Whatsapp to the new encrypted messaging app Signal?
I believe many people are leaving WhatsApp because of how the messaging app is forcing users to agree to the terms and conditions.
Because WhatsApp is forcing it’s users to share their data with Facebook so that they can use it to serve personalized ads or stop using the app, Signal, on the other hand, is saying we don’t need your data to operate. Our app is the best encrypted messaging app.
All Your Questions Answered
If you live in the European Region, WhatsApp Ireland Limited provides the Services to you under this Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
In order to receive WhatsApp services (as defined below) through their apps, services, features, software, or website, they will need to obtain your agreement to our Terms of Service (“Terms”).
WhatsApp has officially updated its terms of service and privacy policy and given users till February 8, 2021. In order to continue using the services, users will have to accept the terms and conditions. If the users do not accept the new terms of service they will no longer be able to use the app from February 8.
For full new terms and conditions on WhatsApp, you will have to read more information here: WhatsApp Privacy Policy.
You may opt out of this agreement to arbitrate. If you do so, neither we nor you can require the other to participate in an arbitration proceeding. To opt out, you must notify us in writing postmarked within 30 days of the later of: (a) the date that you first accepted our Terms; and (b) the date you became subject to this arbitration provision. You must use this address to opt-out.