WhatsApp’s new privacy policy will be implemented after May 15, know everything about it before that

WhatsApp is updating its privacy policy and this change has thrown the instant messaging app into controversy. The last date for adopting this updated policy was earlier 8th February, but later the company changed it to 15th May. WhatsApp is facing criticism around the world as the developer is changing the way user data sharing is done on its platform. However, the Facebook-owned company has claimed that this policy will not affect the privacy of general chats. The company says that the new policy has been created to provide personalized experience to businesses by sharing user details.

A lot of confusion has arisen around the new policy. Users have many questions in their mind that what is the new policy of WhatsApp, how will it affect the users, what data of the user will the company share and what will happen if you do not accept the new policy. Here, we are giving you answers to all these questions.

When will WhatsApp implement its updated privacy policy?

WhatsApp’s new privacy policy was planned to be implemented on all accounts by February 8. However, after facing criticism, the Facebook-owned company explained to the people through a few announcements that the company has postponed the update. But even this did not work. Finally, WhatsApp has postponed the new privacy policy till May 15.

What all data is shared if you agree to the updated privacy policy?

Since the announcement of its new privacy policy, WhatsApp has made it clear that the update is mainly for business accounts using the platform. This means that once the updated privacy policy is accepted, app users’ details such as their phone numbers and transaction data will be shared with businesses. But WhatsApp has said that these changes “will not affect chats with anyone.” The company has also clarified through a blog post that the app will continue to provide end-to-end encryption for users’ private messages. Along with this, it was also told that the company does not collect logs of users’ messages and calls.

The new privacy policy also says that now WhatsApp will share data with its parent company Facebook and its other subsidiaries. This was a major reason behind the criticism. WhatsApp, however, also clarified that the new policy will not expand its existing capabilities to share data with Facebook. The company also said that it cannot see the location shared by its users nor share their contacts with the parent company. However, don’t take this to mean that WhatsApp doesn’t share any data with Facebook. The company has already been sharing a lot of information about its users with the social media giant.

What will happen if you don’t agree to the updated WhatsApp privacy policy?

WhatsApp had initially not given any clarity on what would be done with a user’s account if the new policy was not accepted. However, on its FAQ page the company has written that if the user does not accept the new policy, he will not have the full functionality of the app.

The company writes on the page, (translated) “For some time, you will be able to receive calls and notifications, but will not be able to read or send messages in the app.” TechCrunch reports that by “some time” WhatsApp means a few weeks. WhatsApp has said that users will have a chance to accept the update after May 15.