WhatsApp’s new privacy policy was originally set to go into effect inFebruary this year, but the company has delayed the deadline by threemonths following a major outcry from users. The updated privacy policy willnow go out on May 16 instead.
Facebook and WhatsApp have been trying to make it clear that the app doesnot have access to private messages, calls, groups, location data, orcontact lists. The app also continues to remind users that all messages areend-to-end encrypted.
However, numerous media reports have highlighted the new additions toWhatsApp’s privacy policy and the broad language used in it which hascaused major backlash all over the globe. This also resulted in a surge insign-ups for alternative messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal.
Facebook executives and WhatsApp’s current head Will Cathcart have tried toclear up the situation on social media, but with little success. Facebook’spoor track record when it comes to privacy and the fact that you can nolonger choose between sharing WhatsApp data with Facebook or not has madethe situation much worse.
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WhatsApp is now postponing updating the privacy policy to May 16th so itcan better communicate the changes. The blog post from WhatsApp says:
We’re now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review andaccept the terms.
