WhatsApp will alert you to upcoming changes in terms more visibly

Service WhatsApp has lost many of its users in the last month. The reasons were new conditions that fundamentally change the use of user data by Facebook, which owns the service. WhatsApp postponed their launch due to negative reactions for several months and according to the portal PhoneArena will now signal their arrival more visibly.

Controversial conditions should not apply to users in the European Union

The new conditions were originally supposed to come into force on February 8. However, due to negative reactions, the service announced the postponement of this date to May 15. Changes in conditions should affect up to three areas. One of the mentioned areas is the method of data processing by WhatsApp. Another way is for businesses to manage their WhatsApp messages with Facebook. The third says that WhatsApp will soon connect with Facebook to offer a deeper connection to the services.

It was the last point that provoked a wave of reluctance. Users will need to accept the new terms of data sharing between services if they want to continue using the application. If they agree to the change, then WhatsApp will share them with Facebook telephone number at registration, transaction details, or i IP adresu. However, the conditions only apply to countries where GDPR rules do not apply, so they should not apply to Slovak users.

WhatsApp will explain the conditions with an information banner

But WhatsApp does not want to withdraw from these conditions and in the coming weeks wants to draw attention to them more visibly – with a banner directly in the application. It aims to explain them more clearly and bring users closer to what their company needs. An example is the following warning.

Larger businesses, such as airlines or retailers, can respond to thousands of customers at one time – providing information about flights or tracking their order. In order for such businesses to respond quickly, they can use Facebook as a technology provider to manage communications on their behalf. Such communications will be clearly marked to the user so that he is clear about the type of communication.

Such communication with companies should be optional. You can block communication channels with companies or simply delete them from the contact list. WhatsApp also reminds you that it does not want to share your Facebook contacts and private conversations along with your location will not be visible to anyone. However, it is questionable whether such explanations will persuade users to agree to the new conditions, which are due to come into force on 15 May.