WhatsApp has updated the terms of service and requested all users to accept it before February 8, 2021. If you are not accepting the new terms of service, then you will not be able to use your account after the specified date. The Facebook-owned messaging platform has started to deliver in-app notifications to users informing them about the changes in the Terms of Service and its associated Privacy Policy. The notification informs users that WhatsApp is updating its terms and privacy policy and delivered to both Android and iOS users.
The WhatsApp notification mentions how the company processes user data and hot businesses make use of the Facebook hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats. Moreover, WhatsApp has partnered with Facebook to provide integrations across the Facebook Company Product. The reports suggest that those users who are not accepting the changes will be removed from the platform.
According to WhatsApp, when you forward media within a message, the media is stored temporarily in an encrypted format on their servers to enhance the forwarding mechanism. Furthermore, if any of your contacts are not using the services offered by WhatsApp, the company will manage this information in such a way to ensure those contacts cannot be identified by them.
WhatsApp also added a dedicated section on “Transactions And Payments Data”. The company will process additional information about the user including payment account and transaction information. If you use the payment services available in your country, the privacy practices are described in the applicable payments privacy policy.
The messenger also collects device and connection-related information when you install, access, or use your services. This includes hardware model, operating system information, battery level, signal strength, mobile network, browser information, app version, connection information, IP address, language, and time zone including device operations information and identifiers.
The company collects and uses location information from your device when you choose to work with the location-related functionalities with your permission. You will be able to view locations and others that have been shared with you. WhatsApp also renamed “Affiliated Companies” to “How We Work With Other Facebook Companies”.
WhatsApp has updated the privacy policy reportedly to suit the changing times. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is struggling to earn revenue. It looks like the messenger will soon be refreshed with business ads. Business establishments could place ads inside WhatsApp, which will bring revenue to WhatsApp. You can also expect video and voice call recording capabilities and it requires storing of data on their services. If you accept the new privacy policy, you have permission for the company to keep and maintain recordings.
