WhatsApp puts an end to restrictions of new privacy conditions

Facebook’s subsidiary WhatsApp came up with a new privacy policy in January. Although the impact of the conditions was limited, the new policy was criticized from all corners of the world. That was because people who “disagree” would be removed from the service. Facebook is now withdrawing this measure.

WhatsApp Privacy Policy

The new privacy policy, which Facebook introduced to be allowed to share WhatsApp data with its own platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, came in for a lot of criticism. Facebook subsequently announced that it would postpone the introduction until May 15. There was no adjustment, but the American owner of WhatsApp did let it be known just before the start of the new policy that it was scaling down the measures. Henceforth, accounts that did not agree were not deleted, and various WhatsApp features remained available for such accounts for weeks.

Lawsuits from “several governments” and conversations with privacy experts have changed the Facebook subsidiary this time, according to a statement from the company. “We want to make it clear that we currently have no plans to limit WhatsApp functionality to those who have not yet accepted the update (the new privacy policy, ed.),” WhatsApp said.

Additionally, the company says it will continue to remind its users, so that they may still agree to the controversial privacy policy at a later date: “We will remind users of the update from time to time, for example when people choose to use relevant optional features, such as communicating with a company that is supported by Facebook.”

Declining user numbers

The message hints that the restrictive measures may return in time. Whether WhatsApp will actually implement this may depend on the measures taken by governments to prevent the introduction of the privacy policy. Countries such as India, Germany and Turkey have reprimanded the Facebook subsidiary, alleging that the policy violates the privacy rules of those countries.

In addition to the government measures, the new policy will affect the future of the platform. At the beginning of January it became clear that such a new privacy policy could cause quite a stir within the chat service landscape. Both Telegram and Signal received millions of new users in a matter of days; whether those users have also left WhatsApp remains to look at. Responses to our AW Polls made it clear that it proved difficult to get off WhatsApp as several friends and family remained active on the platform.

If you do not want to agree to the new privacy policy, you can still remain active on WhatsApp for the time being. It is not yet known for how long this will be the case. What do you think of this move by WhatsApp? Did you expect this? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of the article.