WhatsApp announced plans to extend its update deadline which was meant to occur on February 8, 2020.
It explained that it would extend the date of the update to May 15, in which users must either accept its new policy or stop using its services.
Also, to allow users to review its updated policy at their own pace.
The messaging app claimed that confusion and misinformation were going around about its new update on its term and policy.
It explained further that the purpose of the extension was to help people understand better.
“We’ve heard from so many people how much confusion there is around our recent update. There’s been a lot of misinformation causing concern, and we want to help everyone understand our principles and the facts.”
On the other side, this came after users criticised the messaging app on its new update.
What was the misinformation about?
Through announcement 0n its social platforms and a sent update to its users, Whatsapp said that it would be updating its terms and conditions.
Explaining, Whatsapp said it would collect information from users ranging from users settings info, performance information, duration info, transaction and payment info, frequently used services info and many others.
However, this sudden update created a lot of controversies.
Many claimed that WhatsApp plans on sharing the information collected with its parent company, Facebook.
Ever since, its users have been looking for an alternative encrypted messaging site that will not collect a lot of information.
Many have moved to Telegram and Signal for privacy reasons.
ALSO READ: WhatsApp’s Latest Terms Of Service May Be The Breakthrough Signal Needs
WhatsApp clears the air
In contrast to the speculations online, WhatsApp claimed not to share such information.
It explained that messages on its platform had always been encrypted and will remain that way; same with the location, as it doesn’t view the shared location.
In an earlier post, WhatsApp explained that sharing users’ information with Facebook has been normal; but it is not planning on expanding it.
However, it revealed some data it had been sharing with other Facebook companies:
- Information provided by the users during registration, like a Phone number.
- Details of your phone, including; type, model and company name.
- Also, Ip address, this is to indicate the location of your internet connection.
- Financial transactions and payment are made through the platform.
However, these changes do not apply to some counties like Europe and the UK.
Going Further, WhatsApp explained that the new update would not affect its previous commitments (end-to-end encryption).
However, the update will include new options.
“People will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data.
“While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it’s important people are aware of these services. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.“
It also said that it is working to clear up the misinformation about users’ privacy and security on its platform.
WhatsApp restated its commitment to defending security technology now and in the future.
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