WhatsApp clarifies again on updated privacy policy amid row. Says “update doesn’t affect privacy of messages with friends or family”. Lists information “NOT shared with Facebook”.
Highlights
- WhatsApp policy “doesnt affect privacy of messages with friends, family”
- Reiterates WhatsApp can’t see content; private chats end-to-end encrypted
- As per revamped privacy policy, WhatsApp will share data with Facebook
New Delhi:
Amid row over reports of WhatsApp users alleging leak of their private messages with family and friends on search engines, the Facebook-owned messaging service has issued yet another clarification.
WhatsApp has said the change in its recently revised policy “does not affect privacy of messages with friends or family”. “Instead, this update includes changes related to messaging a business on WhatsApp”.
It further shared a list of information “NOT shared with Facebook”.
- WhatsApp cannot see your private messages or hear your calls and neither can Facebook.
- WhatsApp does not keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling.
- WhatsApp cannot see your shared location and neither can Facebook.
- WhatsApp does not share your contacts with Facebook.
- WhatsApp groups remains private.
- You can set your messages to disappear.
- You can download your data.
We want to address some rumors and be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption. pic.twitter.com/6qDnzQ98MP— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 12, 2021
Addressing one the biggest concerns about “group privacy”, WhatsApp in the Security and Privacy section of its website states: “We don’t share this data with Facebook for ads. Again, these private chats are end-to-end encrypted so we can’t see their content.”
For “additional privacy”, it suggested users change message settings to “disappear from chats after you send them”. Complete steps on how to accomplish this have been shared on its website.