Whatsapp postpones privacy policy changes

WhatsApp decided to postpone until May the entry into force of the changes in its Conditions and Privacy policy, which were initially to take effect on February 8, also reiterating the protection of conversations with end-to-end encryption that prevents the company from access its content.

At the beginning of January, users of the messaging network started to receive a message warning of changes in the service about the data it collects from users and their treatment, as well as about the way in which businesses can use the hosted services of Facebook to store and manage chats.

In the same message that warned that in order to continue using the service, users had to accept the changes.

The new policies do not imply material changes in the processing of data for users in the European Union, and that WhatsApp does not yet share the data of those users with Facebook in order for the parent company to use it to improve products and advertisements.

However, thanks to the confusion generated, the company decided to postpone the date on which these changes will come into effect (initially on February 8), without this change involving suspensions or eliminations of accounts among those who until now had not accepted the informational message, as explained in a statement.

WhatsApp also indicates that they will take “a series of measures to clear up the misinformation regarding the way privacy and security work.” Subsequently, and gradually, users will have to review the policy, “at their own pace”, before the new options for companies take effect on May 15.

K. Tovar

Source: El Comercio