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WhatsApp will disable messages unless users agree to new privacy policy

WhatsApp users who don't agree to the Facebook-owned service's updated privacy policy face the possibility of losing the ability to send or receive messages through the iPhone app.

WhatsApp is preparing to make changes to its privacy policy relating to some of its business chat features. The changes have become a subject of wariness for some users, but the service plans to encourage users to agree to the new policy.

Initially sent in an email to merchant partners, first spotted by TechCrunch, the WhatsApp website advises users have an "effective date" of May 15th to review the policy changes. WhatsApp "will not delete" user accounts that don't accept the policy updates, but they "won't have full functionality of WhatsApp" until they accept.

The page describes this as "For a short time, you'll be able to receive calls and notifications, but won't be able to read or send messages from the app." The duration of the "short time" is not defined.

After May 15, users will be able to accept the changes, but WhatsApp warns its policy "related to inactive users will apply." That policy advises accounts deemed inactive are "generally deleted after 120 days of inactivity."

Users are also informed they can export their chat history and download a report of their account before May 15. Account deletion advice is also offered, but with the further warning that it cannot be reversed.

WhatsApp experienced a backlash from users concerned about the inbound privacy policy changes. While the changes updated how business chat logs are stored to be retained on Facebook's servers, critics considered it a wider grab for personal data by Facebook itself.

The reaction from users led to an exodus for millions to other privacy services, including Telegram and Signal. In response, WhatsApp started to use its Status feature to remind users it cannot read their encrypted conversations.



25 Comments

jguther 12 Years · 97 comments

I do not want to deal with liers and criminals, so I deleted my account when they were acquired by Facebook.

11 Likes · 0 Dislikes
hcrefugee 21 Years · 98 comments

"Signal," if you are listening...

4 Likes · 0 Dislikes
Kuyangkoh 8 Years · 838 comments

Deleted this apps long time ago

4 Likes · 0 Dislikes
williamlondon 15 Years · 1430 comments

hcrefugee said:
"Signal," if you are listening...

I've been on Signal for awhile and for the longest time there were only a few contacts from amongst my own Contacts that were also using Signal, then all of a sudden a few weeks ago that number went through the roof in just one week. Now a large number of my contacts are on Signal.

Anyone else notice this huge uptake of the service too recently? Definitely good news for those of us using the service, the more on it, the more valuable it is as an everyday tool.

3 Likes · 0 Dislikes