The messaging service WhatsApp is a permanent fixture in so many of our lives. It is a way to connect to loved ones; participate in social groups and even essential for work. However, when WhatsApp decided to change its terms of service, giving itself wide-ranging powers to collect and share personal information, many of us re-thought our options. WhatsApp delayed the original deadline for acceptance to 15 May 2021. This is what happened after that:
Many just went ahead and accepted the new terms and conditions. Some did it earlier, some did it recently just before the 15 May deadline.
WhatsApp had issued clarifications that some found to be satisfactory – for others, it was all the same.
Many however have refused to accept the new privacy policy. In any case, their accounts will not be suspended, so why do it.
Some did not click ACCEPT because it is now clear that WhatsApp accounts will not be suspended by virtue of non-acceptance.
Each time they opened the app, they would be asked to accept the new policy. Some accepted just to be rid of the nuisance.
Should they accept or shouldn’t they?
What are the pros and cons of both, they wonder. It was thought that not accepting would mean certain features of the app would not the available.
WhatsApp has clarified that the update does not impact the privacy of personal messages. The new permissions are meant to help communicate with businesses that people may choose to use in the future.
The earlier apprehension that few functions would be available to users that do not accept the conditions seems unfounded.
WhatsApp has said that acceptance or non-acceptance will make no difference to app features..
Many users still feel that their privacy and data are not adequately protected and they would prefer not to relinquish control to possible misuse.
There are some who are just not comfortable with WhatsApp any more.
Some feel that WhatsApp has no interest in snooping. Some also feel that there is no reason to be apprehensive since they are doing nothing that they need to hide.
Many have migrated to Signal and Telegram. These apps have registered a 1200% growth while WhatsApp installs experienced a 43% dip.
If you haven’t accepted the new WhatsApp privacy policy, you won’t lose any functionality. If you have accepted the terms and conditions, the app still has no access to your personal chats.
There are no guarantees, however. If Mark Zuckerberg finds some new way to generate revenue, all bets are off.
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