WhatsApp delays new privacy policy amidst backlash

WhatsApp will use a 3 months time period to communicate and clarify doubts of the people regarding the new privacy policy.

WhatsApp on Friday announced that it has extended the deadline to accept its new privacy policy from February 8 to May 15. The App users from all over the world were concerned about its new policy of sharing data with Facebook. WhatsApp will utilize this time period to clarify doubts of people regarding the privacy and security issues. WhatsApp said in a post, "We've heard from so many people how much confusion there is around our recent update. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook." It said that it would allow people to gradually "review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15."

The concern of the users was that merchants who chat with customers can share data with Facebook for advertising. WhatsApp faced backlash from its users after which it issued a statement, "We're giving businesses the option to use secure hosting services from Facebook to manage WhatsApp chats with their customers, answer questions, and send helpful information like purchase receipts.It said, "Whether you communicate with a business by phone, email, or WhatsApp, it can see what you're saying and may use that information for its own marketing purposes, which may include advertising on Facebook."

The Turkish Competition Authority said that it is opening an investigation regarding the issue. Italy and India also showed disapproval as recently an advocate filed a petition in Delhi Court saying it is against the Right to Privacy. Meanwhile, several WhatsApp users switched to rival messaging Apps, Telegram and Signal.