WhatsApp posts 'status' to explain new privacy policy

 

After receiving immense backlash over its new privacy policy, WhatsApp announced putting off its new business plans till after May 2020 and reached out to its users to explain the policy by putting up a series of "statuses" on the messaging app.

"We are committed to your privacy," read the first status. It was followed by "WhatsApp doesn't share your contacts with Facebook", "WhatsApp can't see your shared location", and "WhatsApp can't read or listen to your personal conversations as they're end-to-end encrypted". 

But the decision to publish the status fell through when users pointed out that it was a privacy violation.

California-based WhatsApp said on January 4 that it reserved the right to share some data, including location and phone number, with Facebook Inc and its units like Instagram and Messenger.

That sparked global outrage with Turkey's Competition Board this week by launching an investigation into the courier and its parent. In India, many users have started installing rival apps like Signal and Telegram, pushing WhatsApp to start a costly ad campaign to appease customers.

WhatsApp argues that the policy update does not affect the privacy of messages with friends and family, as group chats are encrypted and the changes only relate to interactions with companies.

Postponed

On Saturday, WhatsApp announced to postpone its business plans until after May 2020 and work to "counter any confusion."