With the new privacy policy disclosed by WhatsApp it became more controversial with their policy. After being asked to width draw the changes its privacy policy, WhatsApp said the proposed changes does not expand its ability to share user data with Facebook and it is open to answering questions on the issues. The Indian government on Tuesday posted 14 question to whatsApp on invasive changes in Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. "We wish to reinforce that this update does not expand our ability to share the data with anyone not even with Facebook. Our aim is to provide transparency and new options available to engage with business so they can serve their customers and grow. WhatsApp said.
The personal data of customers are protected with end-to-end encryption so no one is able to see the data. We are working to address misinformation and remain available to answer any questions. In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO will chathart, the ministry of Electronics and information technology has said the proposed changes to the WhatsApp Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Without giving users and option to opt-out raise grave concerns regarding the implications for the choice and autonomy of Indian Citizens.
The letter noted that with over 400 million uses in India, the changes will have a disproportionate impact on the country's citizens. It has also asked WhatsApp to provide details of the services provided by it in India, categories of data collected and permissions and consents sought. It has also asked WhatsApp to withdraw the proposed changes and reconsider its approach to information privacy, freedom of choice and data security.
WhatsApp had earlier this month begun asking its 2 billion uses worldwide to accept an update of its privacy policy if they want to keep using the popular messaging app. The new terms caused an outcry among technology experts, privacy advocates and users and triggered a wave of defections to rival services such as Signal and Telegram. In the updated policy, it got a right to share data it collected from WhatsApp users with the broader Facebook network, which includes Instagram, regardless of owning any accounts or profiles there. Some businesses, as per the new policy, were to use Facebook-owned servers to store messages. This triggered an outcry regardless of WhatsApp assertion that all private messages between friends and family members remain end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp has on January 16 2021 delayed the introduction of the new privacy policy to May 15th after user backlash over sharing of user data and information with the parent company Facebook Inc.
No one will have their account suspended or deleted on Febraury 8th 2021. We are also going to do a lot more to clear up the misinformation around how privacy and security works on WhatsApp. We will then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15th 2021. WhatsApp had said in the blog post.
