Facebook has indicated that it will proceed with the controversial WhatsApp Privacy Policy Update. The social media giant will, however, allow users to read it at “their own pace”
WhatsApp Privacy Policy Update, which managed to become one of its most self-destructive moves, will roll out once again. Facebook recently started showing and then halted, the Privacy Policy Update.
WhatsApp plans to re-introduce the updated Privacy Policy that ignited a massive backlash:
Facebook has confirmed through an official WhatsApp blog post that it will soon reinitiate the rollout of WhatsApp Privacy Policy Update. The company added it will notify users of the new privacy policy “in the coming weeks,” and provide more information about the changes.
Needless to add, accepting the new policy is mandatory to use WhatsApp. In case WhatsApp users refuse to accept the new policy, the app will stop functioning for them.
WhatsApp to go ahead with changes despite backlash The messaging app is making a second attempt to convince users to accept its new privacy policy.
from BBC News – Technology https://t.co/ZVDrmjJuLAhttps://t.co/XskwpafYpl
— Rivmark (@RivmarkM) February 19, 2021
The official WhatsApp blog reads: “In the coming weeks, we’ll display a banner in WhatsApp providing more information that people can read at their own pace. We’ve also included more information to try and address concerns we’re hearing. Eventually, we’ll start reminding people to review and accept these updates to keep using WhatsApp.”
Facebook has attested that the update is focused on allowing users to message businesses. Moreover, it will not affect personal conversations. Chats will continue to have end-to-end encryption.
Facebook pushing WhatsApp into eCommerce with new Privacy Policy Update?
Facebook first started rolling out the controversial WhatsApp Privacy Policy Update in January 2021. However, following a massive backlash, the social media giant halted the rollout.
Facebook is reinitiating the rollout of the exact same policy. The company has been running a multi-platform and multimedia campaign to “raise awareness” about the new WhatsApp policy.
A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed that users will have to agree to the new terms by May 15, when the new policy goes into effect.
‘Committed to privacy’ WhatsApp announces updated policy https://t.co/Vj9Vm5MT8g
— News89 Media (@news89com) February 19, 2021
It is amply clear that Facebook wants to monetize one of its largest acquisitions. WhatsApp cost Facebook about $19 Billion in cash and stock options.
The social media giant has already expanded WhatsApp’s business messaging tools and the added new shopping features. The new terms imply Facebook’s role in enabling these interactions. As The New York Times pointed out last month, this could result in interactions with businesses on WhatsApp influencing the ads users see on Facebook.
WhatsApp To Continue Its Controversial Privacy Policyhttps://t.co/aO5iY754Am pic.twitter.com/NKlfsrDUvQ
— Plat4om (@Plat4omLive) February 19, 2021
Facebook has been introducing these changes within WhatsApp for quite some time. However, the WhatsApp Privacy Policy’s sudden introduction, combined with the overall distrust about the social media giant became detrimental and viral for all the negative reasons.
Facebook already collects a lot of information from WhatsApp. Hence, the policy update isn’t a surprise. Nonetheless, the update fueled a massive exodus.
Users migrated to competing platforms such as Signal and Telegram in droves. In fact, Telegram shot in popularity and became one of the most download apps.