WhatsApp claims that it would allow users some time to agree to its contentious new privacy policy, citing mass "confusion" and "misinformation" about the change. The Facebook-owned messaging app now promises that it will encourage users to "review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15," and that no one's service will be shut off on February 8.
The update does not in effect impact the exchange of data with Facebook with regards to user chats or other profile information; WhatsApp has consistently explained that its update fixes business chats in the event that a user chats with a company's customer support network via WhatsApp.
“We’ve heard from so many people how much confusion there is around our recent update,” the company wrote in an update. “There's been a lot of misinformation causing concern and we want to help everyone understand our principles and the facts.” The company said it remains committed to end-to-end encryption and that “this update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.”
We want to address some rumors and be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption. pic.twitter.com/6qDnzQ98MP
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 12, 2021
Despite the delay, WhatsApp can find it difficult to undo the harm that has already been done. Encrypted Message Signal—now sponsored by one of the founding creators of WhatsApp who has been a vocal critic of Facebook in recent years—has seen a surge of new customers after WhatsApp's bungled privacy announcement (and an extra boost from Elon Musk). It also sparked inquiries by authorities in a variety of nations.
Post a Comment