WhatsApp on Tuesday clarified that the update would not affect private messages and chats to family and friends.
Gouri J S
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| WhatsApp's Instagram Post saying WhatsApp Protects and Secures Your Private Messages | credits: WhatsApp While the backlash and trust crisis over the new privacy policy is yet to settle, WhatsApp on Tuesday clarified that the update would not affect private messages and chats to family and friends. They also clarified in a FAQ blog post that the changes applies only to business accounts using the platform and also provided transparency on how data is collected and used. Facebook Owned firm tweeted, "We want to address some rumours and be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption. Our privacy policy update does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family".
It was early this year that users across the world received notification about the updated privacy policy that as said would collect all account and chat data for advertisements. Users were either forced to agree the terms or otherwise leave the platform. The trust crisis of the popular instant messaging platform led several users worldwide to switch to other platforms. In a survey of 9,000 people by the community social network LocalCircles, 15% participants said they would stop using WhatsApp while 26% said that they would reduce its usage and move to other platforms like Signal and Telegram. And, about 18% said that they would continue in WhatsApp despite their data being used. The provider clarified that neither WhatsApp or Facebook could read private messages or calls on WhatsApp. All the chats and calls with friends, family or colleagues will be protected by end-to-end encryption and assured that they would never weaken the security. Other information like user's contacts or shared locations will also not be recorded. |