WhatsApp updates its Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions which makes sharing data with Facebook mandatory for all the Whatsapp users.

WhatsApp updates its Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions which makes sharing data with Facebook mandatory for all the Whatsapp users.

WhatsApp is a messaging app that enables its users to send instant messages, to make voice and video calls, to share images, user location, document and other media. It was initially released on 3rd May 2009. Brian Acton and Jan Koum are the founders of this multi platform messaging app. In the year 2014,in February Facebook purchased whatsApp for $19billion.

On 5th January 2021 Tuesday WhatsApp which is owned by Facebook updated its Privacy Policy and service terms about processing user data and partners with Facebook in order to integrate across the social media giant’s products. Hence WhatsApp informed its users through an app notification about the update in terms of use and it has given time to the users till 8th February 2021 to accept the updated terms and conditions. Users who refuse to accept the terms updated will have an option to delete their accounts. 

On Wednesday most users received pop up-app notification when they logged in. The Notification was as follows,“ By tapping AGREE, you accept the new terms and privacy policy, which take effect on February8,2021. After this date, you’ll need to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp. You can also visit the Help Center if you would prefer to delete your account and would like more information”. 

Previously the users had an option to choose not to share their Whatsapp account information with Facebook but now the updated terms clearly states that its mandatory for all the users to share their data with Facebook to continue to avail the services of WhatApp. The notice has a gist of the changes in WhatsApps privacy policy and terms of services. It also provides an option for the users to agree to the terms directly from the full-screen notice.

According to the reports, it provides additional information on how the app collects and handles user data. It provides new sections including Transactions and Payments Data as well as Location Information in order to provide details on precise data collection by WhatsApp. It has also included specific information on  business interactions. 

Whatsapp states that they share information with Facebook Companies and it includes user’s account registration information like their phone number, transaction data, services-related information, interaction information (including business interactions), mobile device information, IP address etc.