WhatsApp’s updated terms of service and privacy policy gives more insight into how the messaging platform will use user data and, more importantly, share it with its parent company Facebook going forward. Users have till February 8, 2021 to accept these in order to continue using the platform.
It is standard practice that in order to continue using these services, the user accepts the new conditions and policy. This time, WhatsApp is giving a deadline of February 8, 2021 to accept the new policy or delete your account.
Facebook-owned WhatsApp’s updated policy says that it may share your information with its family of companies to “facilitate, support and integrate their activities and improve our services.” … It also collects device-level information like what device you use, your mobile network, IP address, among others.
Whatever information WhatsApp automatically collects from you will be shared with Facebook. This includes your mobile phone number and basic information you give when you create a WhatsApp account.
It also collects and shares user activity, how often you use WhatsApp, features you use, your profile photo, your status and ‘about’ information.
It also collects device-level information like what device you use, your mobile network, IP address, among others. It also collects and uses precise location information from your device, but with your permission.
This new update has caused a lot of concern over the new privacy policy, especially with respect to data sharing with its parent company Facebook.
To continue using WhatsApp, you need to accept the new terms and conditions. If you do not wish to, WhatsApp too, suggests deleting your account.
For users who have already accepted the new terms and conditions, but do not want WhatsApp to share data with Facebook, or other businesses, they will have an additional 30 days to opt out and delete their account.
