Whatsapp users must accept terms

Whatsapp users will not be able to read or send messages after May 15 if they do not accept the app's updated terms and conditions.

The service will begin displaying a banner alert in the coming weeks, after a previous attempt earlier in the year was halted amid fears data on the app would be shared more closely with Facebook's main social network.

Users who do not accept the new terms will still be able to receive calls and notifications for a "short time", but messaging will not be possible.

There will be a chance to agree after the deadline and have full functionality restored, but Whatsapp warned that inactive accounts are generally deleted after 120 days.

To give you enough time to review changes at your own pace and convenience, we've extended the effective date to May 15th," Whatsapp said.

"If you haven't accepted by then, Whatsapp will not delete your account."

Boeing 777s with the same type of engine as a plane which caught fire after take-off in the US this weekend have been banned from entering UK airspace.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the restriction applies to 777s with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines.

This configuration is operated by airlines in the US, Japan and South Korea. No UK carriers are affected.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps described the UK airspace ban as a temporary measure and said he will "continue to work closely with the CAA to monitor the situation".

The incident involved a Pratt & Whitney 4000112 engine exploding after take-off from Denver, Colorado on Saturday, with pieces falling on to residential areas below.

The plane returned to Denver International Airport to make an emergency landing.

No crew or passengers were hurt and the flight landed safely.