WhatsApp has long been threatening to revoke core features for users who refuse to accept its controversial new privacy policy, but after international backlash from privacy experts and authorities, it decided to back down.
In a statement, the company announced that it will not restrict any functionality even if the terms and conditions policies have not been accepted: “No user account will be removed or access to WhatsApp features will be removed on May 15 due to this update.”
“Given the recent discussions with various authorities and privacy experts, we want to make it clear that we will not limit the functionality of how WhatsApp works for those who have not yet accepted the update”said a WhatsApp spokesperson in a statement to The Verge, and they added that this is the plan that will advance indefinitely.
Initially, the deadline to accept was set for February, but WhatsApp pushed that date back to May 15 after being criticized by lawmakers, consumer rights advocates and its own users.
The problem is how this updated policy allows WhatsApp to handle users’ personal data, raising concerns that it will start transferring information to its parent company, Facebook. WhatsApp’s failed launch and scary-sounding ultimatums further fueled the outrage.
The head of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, also published a Twitter thread with more details to clear doubts about the new update and its purposes:
I’ve been watching a bunch of discussion this week about the privacy policy update we’re in the process of making @WhatsApp and wanted to share some thoughts.
Thread ????
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) January 8, 2021
Despite backtracking on their plans, rival messaging platforms Telegram and Signal have seen a surge in downloads. It is not known if this will continue, but if you have not yet accepted the conditions, do not worry about doing it because you will be able to continue using the application.
Photo: Shutterstock.
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