WhatsApp To Delay Changes, Cites User Misinformation

WhatsApp has decided to delay the implementation of its revised user agreement. This is the same one that caused shockwaves throughout the internet because of certain privacy concerns. Many believed that the messaging company’s revised terms of use, would infringe user privacy. It was thought that Facebook would be granted access to user data, chat and other personal information.

The company has refuted these claims as misleading. The changes that were stated pertained to the new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp. In addition to this, its disclosure of the new terms of service were meant to promote transparency on WhatsApp’s part regarding how user data is collected.

Referring to this, the company stated, “While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it’s important people are aware of these services. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.”

It also stated the following, “We will always protect your personal conversations with end-to-end encryption, so that neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can see these private messages. It’s why we don’t keep logs of who everyone’s messaging or calling. We also can’t see your shared location and we don’t share your contacts with Facebook.”

What Is All The Fuss About?

Well, it concerns WhatsApp’s business feature. When you chat with a business to ask questions, make a purchase or get information, this task is being made easier with the help of Facebook business products. When responding to customers, businesses use Facebook’s services, the chat is clearly labeled. But it’s up to you to respond to them.

When you discover a business on Facebook and Instagram, there may be an option to message them on WhatsApp. If you do choose to do this, data will be collected to provide targeted and personalized ads that you will see on Facebook. However, neither company can see the content of any end to end encrypted messages.

In addition to this, the new business feature will enable you to shop online through the use of the corresponding business’ WhatsApp business profile. Products that you see on Facebook and Instagram can be purchased using WhatsApp. Its an interesting feature that takes convenience to a whole new level.

This is where user data will be collected and used for service improvement, targeted ads and various other business activities. But none of these changes will allow these companies to circumvent user privacy and gain access to your personal messages on WhatsApp. And to help alleviate concerns the company has said:

“We’re now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8. We’ll then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15.

If you would like to know more, take a look at WhatsApp’s FAQ regarding user privacy.