WhatsApp always stands out as truly newsworthy but this time it’s for the messaging app’s updated privacy policy that goes into effect on February 8. WhatsApp’s new terms of services clarifies in detail how it shares user data to Facebook. This has normally caused an uproar among WhatsApp users who are switching to alternatives. WhatsApp has now tweeted in hopes to reassure users that their messages are still protected.
WhatsApp in its tweet featured focuses on private messages, group chats, contacts, calls, and data. It said neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can get to your private messages or hear your calls. WhatsApp also said it does not keep a track on your calls, and does not share your contacts with Facebook. It also highlighted that your shared location remains hidden, and so does group chats.
WhatsApp also pointed out that you can set your messages to disappear, and you can also download your data. WhatsApp late last year introduced this feature that self-destructs messages after seven days. WhatsApp also has this option for users to download their data.
In an answer to the tweet, WhatsApp added that its privacy policy update “does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family.” WhatsApp had issued a statement last week clarifying that its new privacy policy is for how users communicate with business accounts, and that personal conversations remain unaffected.
It would seem that users are still not convinced of WhatsApp’s rehashed explanations dependent on the answers to its most recent tweet. WhatsApp users have also been flocking to privacy-focused applications, Signal and Telegram. Both applications have become the top free applications in India, and more nations.
