WhatsApp New Privacy Polices Explained - Updated

WhatsApp New Privacy Policy & Its Issues

There is a constant tussle going around data privacy. The data fiduciaries and social media platforms are struggling with the trust and confidence of their users. With WhatsApp arising as one of the platforms that got wider acceptance for its rich set of features, today may also face the same heat. WhatsApp that has added a payment option as a new feature a few days back now faces the same heat due to the new privacy policy. In this article by SingleWindowTech, there is complete information that SingleWindowTech has dug out for the readers on WhatsApp Privacy Policy and the issues related to it. 

What is the news?

According to the latest development, WhatsApp (from Facebook) on its legal page has updated some of the clauses and norms present in the service and privacy policy. These updates are mainly related to the data of any user shared with Facebook and other third-party applications. There is a stipulated deadline, within which users have to accept the terms and conditions in the policy latest by 8 February 2021. Any consent can only let the users use this social messaging platform in the future. Some of the points talk about the reliance on third-party services and their integration with the user's platform. Hence, the third-party products may get user's information about what the users share with them.

What Data Will Be Collected By WhatsApp?

• Purchases
• Financial Info
• Location
• Contact Info
• Contacts
• User Content
• Identifiers
• Usage Data
• Diagnostics

Location?

WhatsApp says that it does collect your location information. But, you do have to grant permission for the same when sharing your location with someone in the app. The privacy policy, adds that the app can use other location-related data, including IP address and phone number area code, to determine your general location.

Do you need to agree? 

Yes, it is if you want to use WhatsApp further. The policy gets updated from time to time. Be it WhatsApp or any other platform, and updates do come as it is a standard socially standardized practice in the industry and market. To continue these services or when the user downloads the updates, the user accepts every policy change to use the platform and product further. But, the user has some time to accept, and they need not give their consent immediately till this 8 February.

Do you need to worry?

Well, one can have a mixed opinion. Firstly, one should not worry because WhatsApp still supports end-to-end encryption. It means that even Will Cathcart cannot tap your messages what you are doing with corporate partners and colleagues, friends, and families. Also, WhatsApp has come to the front to clarify the dark clouds around this new privacy policy development. WhatsApp elaborated that the information, including you as a fact, is a WhatsApp user, and IP address can be delivered as information to the third-party applications and platforms. They came on the detail regarding the working of Facebook and its group of companies. WhatsApp has laid down their future strategies related to the changes because of better-targeted ad and service delivery. According to WhatsApp, these steps will help to improvise the infrastructure and delivery systems.

Conclusion

Though WhatsApp has come forward with the consolidated clarification, it lacks many more answers that WhatsApp must give. Otherwise, it can degrade the trust profile of WhatsApp users. WhatsApp's privacy policy can stress some prominent and frequent Facebook users, along with its third-party apps. Also, with WhatsApp integrating with many third-party apps can be problematic for all. Hence, there is a need for a more clear picture of the social messaging company. However, the end-to-end encryption may relieve from the latest changes in the WhatsApp privacy policy. 

Also if you really care about your privacy, get rid of WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. If you are using any one of these, then my friend you really don't need to bother about WhatsApp privacy policy. Facebook already has it all, because Facebook owns all of these.

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Update from WhatsApp

And here comes the clarification on privacy policy from WhatsApp:

• Neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can read users' messages or hear their calls with friends, family and co-workers.
• This update includes changes related to messaging a business on WhatsApp, which is optional.
• No users' contacts will be shared with Facebook.
• WhatsApp and Facebook cannot se your shared location.