WhatsApp pushes back deadline for new privacy policy to May 15th

Following large-scale user migration to rival messaging platforms, WhatsApp on Friday informed that the app will not suspend or delete accounts on February 8th and delayed the new policy launch to May 15th. In a notification released on January 5th, the app had intimated users on a new privacy policy and terms in which it reserved the right to share some user data with the Facebook app and had fixed the deadline for users to review and accept the terms of the new policy on February 8th.

The new privacy policy created concerns regarding the use of user information and personal data and lead to users abandoning the messaging platform for rival platforms like Telegram and Signal. Addressing this 'misinformation', the app, in its blog, assured of end-to-end encryption, meaning neither Whatsapp nor Facebook can see private messages. The app also added that they do not keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling and cannot see shared locations or share contacts with Facebook.

"Instead, the update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data. While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and its important people are aware of these services. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook," says WhatsApp.

Whatsapp also informed that the App will counter any confusion by communicating directly with users and make sure users have enough time to review and understand the terms. "Rest assured we never planned to delete any accounts based on this and will not do so in the future," the app added in a Tweet.

The app, purchased by social media giant Facebook in 2014, already shares certain categories of personal data, including the user's phone number and IP address, with the parent company.