WhatsApp has changed forever: Accept the policy or use limited features

The most controversial privacy update deadline is here. You will either have to accept it or risk losing all the key features, as WhatsApp will stop you from calling or messaging contacts. It said that users will have a choice whether to accept the 2021 update or not. The company will not delete accounts, but render them practically useless. “No one in India will lose the functionality of WhatsApp either,” the spokesperson reassured. “We will follow up with reminders to people over the next several weeks. We’re grateful for the important role it plays in people’s lives and we’ll take every opportunity to explain how we protect people’s personal messages and private information.”

What happens if you do not accept WhatsApp's new policy?

You will be repetitively reminded to accept the new policy whenever you will open the app, reported Gadgets 360. If you still choose to not accept it, then eventually, WhatsApp will become more or less useless to you. Initially, you will be able to answer incoming voice and video calls. If you have notifications enabled, you can also tap on them to read or reply to a message. You can call back a missed audio or video call.

After a few weeks, you will stop getting WhatsApp calls, messages and even notifications. According to The Guardian, the company spokesperson said that users won’t be able to receive incoming calls or notifications. WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to your phone.

A Background

WhatsApp updated its terms of service in January. It informed the users that it will share information from their interactions with business accounts, Facebook and third parties. The New Privacy Policy also asked users to either agree or discontinue using the platform. The company had delayed the adoption of the new privacy policy to 15 May from 8 February.

Satya Yerramsetti, Founder and CEO, Telebu states, “While the revised timelines gave breathing space to many, the most recent announcement by WhatsApp has again raised many questions in the minds of the users. The latest notification mentions that while your account will remain intact; users will not be able to avail of the full-fledged functionality of the app if they do not accept the privacy policy. Though WhatsApp has put in a lot of efforts in addressing these concerns, a few doubts and hesitance for using the app persists. Owing to this, customers have started resorting to alternate options that offer complete data security and smooth functionality.”

Top 10 WhatsApp Alternative Apps You Can Use

• Telegram

• Signal

• Viber

• Kik

• Google Hangouts

• Wire

• Skype

• Slack

• Discord

• Sandes

What data does WhatsApp share with Facebook?

In January, the app introduced a privacy policy update. It talked about how we have to allow the app to share our commercial data with Facebook. The update also confirmed that the companies can use the data for cybersecurity as well as targeted advertising and personalized content on the main app. The company maintains that the latest Privacy Policy enables users with the following business-related options:

• Enabling customer service through the platform in terms of chatting with business or asking questions.

• Personalised ads for users based on the ads they click on Facebook on Instagram; helping users chatting with those business owners through a dedicated WhatsApp icon.

• Some businesses with a shop on Facebook or Instagram can also have shops on their WhatsApp business profile. This will allow users to see a business’s products on Facebook and Instagram and shop from them directly through WhatsApp.