Whatsapp to go ahead with privacy policy update despite backlash

Facebook-owned Whatsapp recently said it will go ahead with its controversial privacy policy update but will allow users to read it at “their own pace” and will also display a banner providing additional information. In January, the messaging platform informed users it was preparing a new privacy policy, under which it could share limited user data with Facebook and its group firms. It sparked a global outcry and sent users to rival apps Telegram and Signal, among others, prompting Whatsapp to delay the new policy launch to may and to clarify the update was focused on allowing users to message with businesses and would not affect personal conversations.

In India, the messaging app’s biggest user base, Facebook executives fielded questions from a parliamentary panel on the need for the changes, days after the country’s technology ministry asked the messaging platform to withdraw them. In its latest blog, Whatsapp said it will start reminding users to review and accept updates to keep using the messaging platform. “We’ve also included more information to try and address concerns we’re hearing,” it added. Whatsapp’s announcement comes as parent Facebook moved to block all news content in australia recently facing backlash from publishers and politicians, prompting a senior British lawmaker to label the move as an attempt to bully a democracy.

meanwhile, Whatsapp completed 12 years of its journey and while announcing the same the popular messaging platform revealed that it handles more than one billion calls each day. Whatsapp debuted back in February 2009 and was originally designed to allow sharing of statuses between its users. It, however, expanded and evolved to become a full-fledged messaging solution and eventually started to replace traditional voice and video calls. The app also allows users to make payments and send stickers. ■