What you need to know
- WhatsApp is pressing on with controversial changes to its privacy policy.
- It says that it will provide users with an in-app banner in the coming weeks to give them more information.
WhatsApp says it will provide more in-app information to users as it presses on with controversial plans to change its privacy policy.
In a blog post the company stated:
Today we're sharing updated plans for how we'll ask WhatsApp users to review our terms of service and privacy policy. We previously encountered a great deal of misinformation about this update and we continue to work hard to clear up any confusion.As a reminder, we're building new ways to chat or shop with a business on WhatsApp that are entirely optional. Personal messages will always be end-to-end encrypted, so WhatsApp can't read or listen to them.We've reflected on what we could have done better here. We want everyone to know our history of defending end-to-end encryption and trust we're committed to protecting people's privacy and security. We're now using our Status feature to share our values and updates directly within WhatsApp. We'll be doing much more to make our voice clear going forward.
WhatsApp says that in the coming weeks users will see a banner with more information that they can read at their own pace. Whatsapp has also updated its explainer page regarding the changes. Amongst other clarifications, the page fervently states:
Your acceptance of the new Terms of Service does not expand WhatsApp's ability to share user data with its parent company Facebook.
WhatsApp says new changes will make it easier for users to talk to businesses using Whatsapp, a feature businesses pay for that lets customers ask questions, make orders and purchases, and get information without having to make a phone call or send an email.
The new changes will take effect in May.
