Facebook-owned WhatsApp is once again reaching out to users, this time via WhatsApp status slides, to reiterate that the company respects users’ private data. In four short clips, the messaging company says it is committed to protecting user privacy because it doesn’t access or read anyone’s messages or location. The WhatsApp status comes days after Facebook said it was delaying rollout of its privacy policy changes amid “confusion” and “misinformation.” The new date was set for May 15 instead of February 8.
The introductory slide on the status of WhatsApp reads: “We are committed to respecting your privacy,” followed by a reiteration: “WhatsApp cannot read or listen to your personal conversations as they are end-encrypted. at the end. The third slide says “WhatsApp can’t see your shared location” and the last note says “WhatsApp doesn’t share your contacts with Facebook”. Notably, the claims echo a full page WhatsApp newspaper advertisement in India, published last week. However, analysts pointed out that Facebook’s claims in the ad (and even on the latest WhatsApp status) contradicted the updated terms of service.
According to WhatsApp’s new privacy policy, certain information such as cell phone number, email address, and profile name are shared with Facebook to personalize user experience. The company would also collect location information at all times. Therefore, many criticize this change because the company does not offer relevant options for those who do not wish to provide such information. Amid all the backlash, competitors like Telegram and Signal are seeing massive downloads.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of All Indian Traders has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, seeking an instruction to overturn the privacy policy on the grounds that it violates laws and may impact the security of the country. The petition filed through attorney Vivek Narayan Sharma says the DIP was necessary due to the Centre’s failure to fulfill its constitutional duty and responsibility to protect the rights to privacy and to freedom of speech and expression of Indian citizens.
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